The Whitefish School Board last week moved to hire Jennifer Santora as the new principal of Muldown Elementary.  

Current Principal John Coyne will retire at the end of the year. 

Santora currently serves as an assistant principal at an elementary school in Manatee County, Florida. She was recommended based on her experience as a building administrator and as a district instructional leader, said Superintendent Dave Means.  

“She brings great energy and positivity,” he said.  

Finalists interviewed by the hiring committee on April 8 included Santora, Keli Miller, Shila Schreiner and Ted Miller. 

“It was a tough decision. We had four very good candidates,” said Trustee Jerrie Boksich.  

She noted that Santora's husband lives in Kalispell and her daughter attends Montana State University. Santora is expected to start on July 1. 

The board also discussed changing the description for the director of curriculum and instruction, updating it to assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The description is more fitting, but it now is inclusive of an acting authority designated should the superintendent be absent.  

Lisa Bloom has been hired as the interim superintendent, and the district will now look to hire the updated position.  

Trustees approved Bloom’s interim superintendent contract with an annual salary of $170,611. The contract terms begin July 1 and end on June 30, 2027.  

The board added to its regular agenda a list of transfers within the district, to be included along with hires and resignations. The transfers will help inform trustees as staff move around grade levels and positions.  

Four contract amendments for work on the high school expansion project were approved. The budget is right on track, Luke Hamman, owner’s rep said. 

Business Clerk Lucie Shea received kudos from trustees for good marks on a recent audit.  

Whitefish High School band raised $20,807 for a trip to New Orleans in 2027. 

Other school board news from April meeting: 

Read more: Whitefish School Board discusses hiring policy after backlash

    Demolition of the Whitefish High School gym foyer earlier this month.
  

    Athletic field demolition started April 6.