The Whitefish School District is taking applications for a new principal to lead Muldown Elementary.  

Current Principal John Coyne plans to retire at the end of the year after a lifelong career in education. Coyne stepped up from his assistant principal role to fill a vacancy after a resignation in the spring of 2023.  

The district plans to hold a community meet and greet with finalists on Tuesday, April 7.  

Meanwhile, the selection for a new superintendent should be completed a month earlier, on March 5.  

THE HIGH SCHOOL expansion project is focused on the final preparations for a March 23 construction start date.  

Construction will start by demolishing the gym foyer and events center area. 

A traffic flow and access plan will be made available soon, said Luke Hamman, owners representative. The front of the school will be accessed by designated paths with signs directing traffic flows. Drop-off and visitor parking could be designated to Pine Avenue, according to a preliminary access plan. 

The district plans to have a community update on the project on March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Whitefish High School.* 

DURING THE Feb. 10 school board meeting, the board approved charitable gift agreements for swimming, baseball and softball. These sports are school sanctioned but not funded. 

Each sport must fundraise $15,000 (swimming), $25,000 (baseball) and $10,000 (softball). The minimum fundraising is based on cost estimates.  

The College Board, a nationwide organization, recently recommended that a student take no more than three AP classes at a time. As a result, Whitefish High School is considering a petition or form, or some guidance from counselors, for students who want to take more. 

Whitefish High School Principal Kerry Drown clarified that there is no set limit on the number of AP classes a student can take, but that a balanced and healthy workload is important.  

“That looks different for different kids,” he said. “At the end of the day, this is about doing right by our kids. Challenging them, supporting them, and helping them grow with confidence.” 

There are a few upcoming retirements in the district. Laura Ferda, kindergarten; Ann Muth, fifth grade; Nanci Nicholson, fifth grade; and Deanne Sramek, nurse, will retire.  

High school golf needs a new head golf coach for the third year in a row. Two assistant football coaches also resigned.  

In a closed executive session, the board discussed a teacher’s leave of absence.

*Article updated with date and time of meeting.