Schoolhouse News

The Whitefish School Board of Trustees, like any wise stewards, takes the business of long-range planning very seriously. Over the past few years, the board has taken a visionary view of capital projects in the district and made decisions that will improve not just our district infrastructure, but district instruction and student achievement for years to come.

Improving a much-needed remodel of Whitefish Middle School was the first step in this master plan for facilities improvement. Moving from the junior high school concept to the current middle school philosophy has greatly improved classroom instruction and the ability for students to receive the best education possible. The building is a safe, healthy facility for housing students from the fifth grade through the eighth grade.

In continuing with the long-range planning for facilities development, our high school facility continues to be a focus of concern and improvements are necessary. Past efforts for improvements have failed for a variety of reasons. To review the past and to look forward, the board has hired Steeplechase Development Advisors LLC to lead the district's efforts towards a new high school facility.

Chris Kelsey and Bayard Dominick are partners who will be our Steeplechase representatives, leading the district through a rigorous set of parameters to include all stakeholders — students, district employees, parents, community groups, business leaders and, yes, the board themselves. The process promises to be engaging as ownership from all stakeholders will determine when and if to proceed to the bonding stages of building a new high school.

As we move through phases designed for this project, all voices need to be listened to. Look for future announcements from Steeplechase as they are actively seeking your valued input. As our community of Whitefish has been very thoughtful and supportive, a new vision for our high school is critical.

I encourage all citizens to become informed and engaged with Steeplechase so we may continue to provide our students with the best opportunity for learning and competing in the global world that awaits them.