Green and gold: Stability during transition

As I prepare to step into the role of interim superintendent on July 1, I do so with both excitement and humility. 

I have spent more than 30 years working in public education as a teacher, union president, curriculum director, and district leader. In my current role, I oversee K-12 curriculum, districtwide assessments, and professional development for our staff. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with students, teachers, administrators, and families across every level of our schools. 

When this opportunity arose, I felt a strong sense of loyalty to Whitefish Schools and the community we serve. I agreed to step into this role for one year to help provide stability and continuity during this transition as the district searches for its next permanent superintendent. This is truly an interim role, and my goal is to help keep the district moving steadily forward while supporting the outstanding work already happening throughout our schools. 

Since the announcement, I have been grateful for the encouragement and support from staff, families, and the broader Whitefish community. That support reinforces what makes this district special. 

Looking ahead, I believe we have exciting opportunities in front of us. I am especially encouraged by the continued expansion of career and technical education programs at Whitefish High School as construction projects move forward. These investments will help create even more pathways for students as they prepare for college, careers, and life beyond graduation. 

At the same time, I believe we must continue paying close attention to student wellness and learning. In the coming year, I hope to focus on areas such as attendance, the relationship between screen time and mental health, and ensuring that students continue to build strong foundational learning habits, including critical thinking and information retention. 

We already have outstanding leadership teams, dedicated staff, and a supportive community. I look forward to working together over the coming year as we continue helping Whitefish students learn, grow and thrive. 

Lisa Bloom is the interim superintendent of Whitefish School District.