The Whitefish School District opened applications for a new Whitefish Middle School principal after the school board approved the hire of current principal Josh Branstetter for the role of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.  

The board this spring updated the description of the assistant superintendent position to make it more fitting for assistant administrative duties. Previously, the role was called the director of curriculum and instruction. Lisa Bloom was in that role but was hired as interim superintendent last month, as current Superintendent Dave Means is retiring.  

Branstetter has been the middle school principal since 2012. 

"It has been a privilege to serve this district for the past 25 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal of Whitefish Middle School," Branstetter said. "In this new position, I look forward to building upon our district's success, capitalizing on the positive relationships formed over the years, and working alongside interim superintendent Lisa Bloom to continue our forward momentum for all our Whitefish students."

The district will see further leadership changes this fall as Muldown Elementary welcomes Jennifer Santora as its new principal.  

At a May 26 special meeting, the board also proposed a renewed 2026-2031 transportation contract, intended for Rocky Mountain Transportation. Contract fees increase by about 8%. 

The contract includes an amendment that the carrier must purchase an activity bus to ensure that a total of two activity buses, neither older than five years, are available for use beginning in 2026-27. Buses are also to be replaced when the odometer reading exceeds 200,000 miles or when the vehicle is older than 13 years.  

“We are going for a quality over quantity approach,” said Seth Soley, owner of Rocky Mountain Transportation.  

A revision also specifies, “Activity buses will be prioritized over school buses for the farthest trips, regardless of the specific sport or activity. If the demand for activity buses exceeds availability, the carrier will determine the final assignment of buses.” 

The revision replaces a clause that limited traditional yellow buses to under 102 miles. Yellow buses will be used for longer trips during high demand times.  

“Our biggest focus is getting kids to and from safely. The best way to do that is to put them in the newest equipment I can,” Soley said. “But setting the expectation that yes, even the football team could take the yellow bus, if there’s someone else who’s farther out.” 

Newer school buses have enhanced features like collision mitigation and dash air conditioning for the driver, he said. 

“We can do a lot of nice things with these yellow buses that makes them extremely safe and comfortable,” Soley said. “Yes, it’s still the old-style bench seat, but the goal is safety.”