As Whitefish Middle School’s new principal, Tyler Jones will work to bring joy to every school day and maintain a culture of respect.

When the principal position opened earlier this year, Jones, the school’s assistant principal of six years, saw not only an opportunity, but a way to ensure the building continues to function at its best.

“I’m a people person, putting kids and staff’s needs first,” Jones said. “I thought, I’ll put myself out there and see what I can do. 

“I don’t want to come in and make a bunch of changes. I want to stay the course of the groundwork that’s been laid before me, so that we continually build relationships and that we’re a safe, welcoming place.” 

Challenges that may arise won’t be out of the ordinary, he said.

“I like the steady feeling of knowing what to expect,” he said.

Jones said former principal Josh Branstetter set a precedent of being visible to students, and he will be missed. 

“Working with Josh is every educator’s dream, as far as a boss,” Jones said. “He goes above and beyond for everybody -- students, parents, families, staff.”

“The culture that he inherited, and then built on, is amazing. And to get to be a part of that is so much fun. And I think that’s what makes not only Whitefish Middle, but our Whitefish school district a desirable place to be.”

Branstetter has stepped into the role of Whitefish School District’s assistant superintendent after serving as Whitefish Middle School principal since 2012. Prior to that, Branstetter was an assistant principal and teacher.

“We always encourage anybody we work with to follow your dreams,” Jones said about Branstetter’s new position. “We want to support people.” 

Jones taught physical education at Columbia Falls Junior High for 13 years before taking the role of assistant principal six years ago during the Covid pandemic. 

The pandemic “showed me how much people care about public education and their kids, and getting everybody back to a normal way of life,” he said. “It gave me an appreciation for what public education does for communities.”

A Wildcat turned Bulldog, Jones still draws upon his roots to be a team player in the school. 

Jones grew up in Martin City and resides there today, enjoying the outdoors with his wife, Sami, and three kids. Sami is a counselor at Columbia Falls Junior High and their kids attend Columbia Falls schools.

A Wildcat Hall of Famer, Jones played football for the Wildcats and helped lead the basketball team to a state title in 2003. He attended the University of Great Falls and landed a teaching position in his hometown fresh out of school. 

While Jones never expected to be an administrator, he expressed joy for what he does, and credits others for making each transition “seamless.” 

“When you have such great kids, awesome staff and getting alongside some of the most amazing administrators, you become like a big family,” he said. “Building those relationships, that has been the greatest gift of education for me. It’s where you’re excited to go to work and for what the next day will be bring.”

THE DOMINO of administrative hiring in the district is finally over, as the school board approved the hire of Gabriel (Gabe) Buzzell as the new interim assistant principal of the middle school last week. There were 10 applicants and three finalists for the role. 

Buzzell, who also graduated from Columbia Falls and was a standout athlete, has been teaching fifth grade at Edgerton Elementary in Kalispell and coaching at Kalispell Middle School. Buzzell has four children, aged 20 to nine. He’s a part of the Air National Guard out of Great Falls. He and his wife own the Kalispell Mountain Berry Bowls food truck. 

“It will be a great fit for the building and the district,” Jones said. “Really thankful for the staff and administrators coming in during their summer break to do this process. It was a complete team effort.” 

The assistant principal role is interim due to hiring this late in the year.