The Whitefish School Board last week selected the consulting firm McPherson and Jacobson LLC to conduct the search for a new superintendent. 

Whitefish Superintendent Dave Means plans to retire in June.  

Business Clerk Lucie Shea said they feel comfortable moving forward with McPherson and Jacobson, that the firm is open to helping with onboarding, and that they proposed conducting some work in person rather than remote.  

“And they have experience placing people in mountain resort towns,” said Trustee Katie Clarke. “And they have really strategic solutions to the problems we might have, like cost of living.” 

STUDENT FEES were also discussed at the board meeting.  

Harris said that a $50 per sport or activity Montana High School Association fee has been capped to $200, ensuring students can engage in a number of activities.  

The Randy Dowdy Fund can help student-athletes who need financial assistance. The district also has an advanced opportunity fund, in which 25% of money from the state must be designated to out-of-pocket costs for parents and students, and can be applied to a wide range of student needs.  

A $200 per family cap has also been implemented for high school students taking AP exams. 

“The AP section was a big move for us,” said Whitefish High School Principal Kerry Drown. “We have some students who take five [exams], maybe two students in the family, at a hundred bucks a whack. So that $200 cap, no matter how many kids, how many tests they’re taking... is a significant improvement.” 

THE DISTRICT’S potential enrollment in a new health insurance trust was moved forward by the board.  

Bridged Health Alliance is a result of Senate Bill 332 of the 2023 legislative session, when legislators set aside $40 million for the trust. Its premise is to have school districts join together to form one insurance pool.  

“Bridged has the ability to provide contracts with [hospitals] to be aligned with a Medicare baseline pricing,” said Mike Burns, health insurance consultant.  

Burns said that because Medicare is capped at a percentage increase that aligns with the Consumer Price Index, cost will be controlled.  

Another advantage is that money stays in the state of Montana, he said.  

Comparatively, money from the district’s current provider, Blue Cross of Blue Shield of Montana, is shuffled to a larger corporation out of state, he said. 

The catch is that 150 school districts with a total of at least 12,000 total employees across the state must join Bridged by Dec. 19 for it to be validated. 

“Every major school district that I’m aware of is on board,” Burns said. “And I do believe Logan Health will execute the agreement. 

“There’s still quite a bit of work to be done, but I’m confident in their model and their team. And if they don’t, we’ll know on Dec. 20.”  

IN A PUBLIC comment, Whitefish resident Robin Paone commended Rocky Mountain Transportation for applying for grants from the Montana DEQ Clean Truck, Bus and Airport Equipment Program, which provides funds to replace older diesel school buses. 

In an activity update, Activity Director Aric Harris said that Josie Windauer, Columbia Falls and UM soccer grad, is doing a remarkable job as the school’s new athletic trainer.  

“She’s been a great addition to our athletic program,” he said.  

Of the 254 participants in fall sports, Whitefish had 105 academic all-state students.  

Three school board trustee seats are up for election in May. Candidates can file to run for a seat now through Feb. 9.