A&E Design has been selected for architectural and engineering services for the upcoming Whitefish High School academic and athletic expansion projects, which are expected to start in January.  

Six committee members on the architect selection committee scored three applicants on a matrix of points based on several parameters. A&E scored as the number one choice for every section.  

“It was a rigorous process, and all three firms presented very well,” Trustee Shannon Hanson said at the Dec. 10 board meeting. 

The owner's representative interview committee reviewed three firms as well and have selected Tell Construction Advisors.  

Luke Hammon, owner of Tell Construction Advisors, was present at the meeting. Hammon lives in Missoula and has about 15 years of experience working with general contractors and developers across the West. 

“I think it’s going to be a good project. It’s got the making to be a really strong team and we’ll just keep building upon that. I’m excited to be a part,” Hammon said.  

Finalizing each of these contracts is the next step in the process.  

ALSO ON the Dec. 10 board meeting’s agenda was the approval of a permanent endowment fund to support regular maintenance of the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. An initial $20,000 donation from the Whitefish Community Foundation was accepted, and community members can continue to contribute to the endowment fund.  

Investments into the arts will save money in the long run, the trustees discussed.  

“Sitting on the PAC committee, it is an expensive operation – the curtains, the lighting, the rigging – there's so many things that go on behind the scenes that get wear and tear that you just don’t think about,” said board chair Darcy Schellinger.  

The board also accepted $15,000 in funds for the swim team’s 2024-25 season. 

Each of the three school-sponsored but not school-funded sports – swim, baseball and softball – have similar agreements.  

The board commended the swim team for raising the money prior to approving what was described as a “difficult” agreement. 

Student representative Jake Dunker gave a thorough update of recent activities.  

He highlighted the booster club’s winter sports kick off, the basketball mega bowl in which students faced off against Whitefish Police officers and school staff to raise money for Montana Special Olympics, and the Whitefish High School student council hosting a “comfy for a cause day” to raise money for gifts for two families. 

A coat drive at Whitefish Middle School and a food drive at Muldown Elementary were other ways students are getting involved in the community, Dunker said. 

Trutees concluded the meeting by finishing their preparations for a holiday thank you letter to the district staff.