SANDPOINT — Karin Wedemeyer, founder and executive director of Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, has stepped away from her leadership role with the organization, according to a press release from the conservatory. 

"The board of directors, and truly the whole community, is grateful for Karin's transformative vision, dedication and tireless leadership in building the conservatory into the vibrant school of performing arts it is today and recognizes her as founder emerita," conservatory officials said in a press release. 

Board chairman Frank Geisler said staff at MCS, an international school of performing arts dedicated to educating Bonner County students from preschool to 12th grade, plan to continue honoring the school's mission "to instruct and inspire excellence in the performing arts.”  

"There are no immediate changes in the day-to-day responsibilities of our student programming," said Geisler. "Everything continues and the board is committed to providing stability and support." 

The conservatory said additional information about Wedemeyer's transition from the executive director position is not being released at this time. 

Wedemeyer is succeeded in the role by Kathi Samuels, who was asked by the MCS board to fill an interim leadership role. 

"As a 14-year volunteer, board member and most recently development director, Kathi led the conservatory in its original accreditation achievement in 2013 and has remained a key supporter of the school’s mission," conservatory officials said in the press release. 

Samuels holds a master’s degree in education from Penn State University and has 30 years of experience in school administration and teaching, equipping her with skills to contribute to the school’s current goals, including operational clarity, staff professional development, and curriculum designed with distinct success pathways, said conservatory officials. 

“The music conservatory has an unmatched foundation, and I am motivated to step in,” said Samuels. “This is an opportunity to honor what has been built while also looking ahead; our students, instructors, and the mission of the school will remain our top priorities.” 

The conservatory also plans to implement strategies from a 2025 Western Association of Schools and Colleges self-study. 

"The yearlong study was undertaken for the purpose of setting priorities, providing a clear roadmap for strengthening the school’s organizational capacity, opportunities for students, and positioning MCS for continued advancement while maintaining the excellence and accessibility that have defined the Conservatory since its founding," conservatory officials said in a press release. 

Conservatory officials said they see tremendous potential for students and staff and are "excited to put the goals identified through our comprehensive review into action.”  

“The board is confident about this next chapter for the conservatory,” said Geisler. "Karin's vision created an organization with an exceptional legacy, and we are grateful for all she has contributed."