Accountability, professional development for coaches and respect for administrative expertise were discussed last week as the Whitefish School Board approved a new hiring policy. 

The work session was in response to backlash after the board rejected a candidate recommended for hire by administration for an assistant track and field coach position earlier this spring.  

The board’s solution was to establish a clearer policy on the matter.  

The new internal hiring procedure excludes candidates from applying to new or additional extracurricular positions if the applicant has received a letter of reprimand in the last 18 months. The board debated a length of time from one to three years and compromised for 18 months. 

Trustee Quincy Bennetts vouched for two years and said the board must hold a high standard. 

“Because that’s what we do,” she said. “And ultimately if I have to hold accountability for something terrible happening while I’m sitting here, I’d rather say I tried.” 

Trustee Jerrie Boksich said she wants to see internal training.  

“If they can get that training within a year, I’m personally satisfied with a year,” she said. “But I want to be assured that they have the training and understand what the problem was and how they can change, so they can move forward and be an effective coach.” 

Public comments questioned the ease of application.  

“Time is not a great healer. Action toward healing is what matters most,” said head football coach Brett Bollweg. “Because I do think we’ll lose people over the course of two years.” 

Recommending one year, Whitefish High School Principal Kerry Drown said, “I don’t disagree with the high standards and accountability, but I don’t believe a bigger hammer fixes the problem. 

“I don’t want that person who called in sick to go skiing to not be able to serve the FreeFlow Club a year later,” he added as an example.  

Human Resources Director Sara Krumm added, “This will be extremely hard to administer. There’s a lot of variables in terms of discipline and what it’s for.” 

“We have a very rigorous background check process,” she explained.  

IN OTHER items, Whitefish Middle School Assistant Principal Tyler Jones will be stepping up to be the new principal. The Columbia Falls alum taught in Columbia Falls for 13 years prior to stepping into administration in Whitefish five years ago. 

The Whitefish Education Foundation’s annual schools rock party raised $32,748 between ticket sales and donations. The foundation also donated $11,484 worth of education enhancement grants.

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.