Whitefish Middle School Assistant Principal Tyler Jones and Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Ted Miller have been selected as finalists for the Whitefish Middle School principal position.

Current middle school principal Josh Branstetter was hired as Whitefish School District’s assistant superintendent, Lisa Bloom’s previous role. Bloom will serve as interim superintendent after Dave Means retires at the end of the month.  

Feedback from a meet and greet planned for June 16 was expected to inform deliberations at a school board meeting on Wednesday, June 17. 

The school board last week welcomed new Trustees Karin Hilding and Gloria Nelson, and welcomed Jerrie Boksich back for another term. 

The board approved the 2025-27 school district emergency operations plan. Whitefish is a leader in this area, as some school districts don’t have plans at all, noted Branstetter.  

“This is a great example of how we utilize our strategic plan for safe, welcoming schools,” Trustee Quincy Bennetts said. “Then we back it up with the budget, and we’re getting feedback and constantly reviewing. This plan is a good representation of how our system should work at its best. And as a parent it’s wonderful to see.”  

The board approved 35 new out of district students for next year. Last month a renewal of transfers was approved with about 150 students.  

The new out of district students span across K-12, although there are quite a few – 12 students – in kindergarten, Superintendent Dave Means noted.  

The only reason a student could be denied is due to reaching 87% capacity, or attendance or behavioral issues.  

Capacities are outlined in a strategic plan that allows the district to address students locally while also considering out-of-district students, Means said.  

The end of year enrollment for the district was 1,916, holding steady since 2020. The school year started with 1,951. For comparison, 2024-25 started at 1,940 and ended with 1,887 students. 

Trends show more growth in middle and high school than the elementary school, Means said.  

Luke Hamman, owner's representative, gave high school expansion construction updates. Rain in May has not impacted the schedule, he said.  

Approved owner's contingency for unforeseen asbestos removal in demolition of the high school gym foyer came to $125,349. There was also an approval of contingency for $31,473 for temporary utilities and a damaged fence, and an anticipation of extra microbial testing.  

The projects will ramp up for the summer with school out. Underground utility and structural and foundational work will take place, Hamman said.  

There is no name selected for the new athletic stadium at this time. 

Whitefish High School Principal Kerry Drown acknowledged the level of teamwork that went into graduation.  

“The pyramid comes to a pinnacle,” Drown said. “A student’s learning begins the day they are born... think about all the people in the lives of these kids.”  

With the gym sandwiched between construction, it was a particularly rewarding ceremony.  

Drown thanked custodial staff, the technology department, counseling team, and staff members who contributed to shepherding students across the stage.  

A public work session to discuss hiring policy is scheduled Tuesday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. 

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.