Students stand by WHS principal

Whitefish High School students rallied around principal Dave Carlson Monday night asking the school board to continue his contract.

The board listened to an hour and a half of public comment before voting to renew Carlson’s contract during a special meeting at the middle school.

More than 100 students attended the meeting and lined the room holding signs that read “Save Mr. Carlson.” Several spoke about Carlson’s willingness to take time from his day to connect with them.

“I think the best thing about Mr. Carlson is his dedication to students,” student body president Joseph Perry said.

Superintendent Kate Orozco began the meeting by recommending that the school board not renew Carlson’s contract. After the public comment, Orozco changed her recommendation, which was met with applause from those in attendance.

“Your support for Mr. Carlson speaks volumes about how much you love him, what great citizens you’ve become and what he’s done to build relationships with you over the last three years,” Orozco told the students. “I can’t stand here and say I’m willing to ignore the voice of our kids.”

Monday’s meeting came after an intense day at the high school that began with students holding a sit-in to show their support for Carlson.

The board was split 5-2 in its decision with trustees Shawn Watts and Heather Vrentas voting against renewal. The decision will give Carlson tenure.

Watts said with three high school students in his home the issue had brought a lot of discussion. He said he agreed with comments that Carlson has a lot of passion for his position.

“You have to consider the possibility that you don’t know everything — that you don’t have all the answers,” Watts said. “Consider the possibility that this is a process governed by rules. Attempting to follow those rules doesn’t make me an idiot. You have to consider the possibility that there are more aspects than what’s been said here tonight.”

Orozco never stated the reason why she wanted to let Carlson go. The board did say that privacy rules prevent them from disclosing details on the matter.

“There’s nothing that could have been said on my part that could have shifted your thinking or would have soothed your misgivings and I take responsibility that so many felt shaken and confused,” she said.

She did say that there have been issues around professional environments and around the development of a trusting relationship among teachers and administrators.

“These are no small issues,” she noted.

“I can ignore misinformation and I can stand up to bullies and I hope our kids can too,” she said. “But I can not ignore your voice, students, when you say to me how critical it is that we keep your leader.”

Orozco said she hoped she and Carlson could work together.

Carlson, who has served as principal since 2009, said when he was hired he was given several tasks and believes he has achieved what has been asked of him.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments of Whitefish High School over the past three years,” he said prior to the vote. “But there is much more to do and I would like to be the one doing it.”

Carlson outlined some of those accomplishments including improving public relations with the community in light of two previous failed high school bond requests. He said he spent countless hours beyond his workday to work toward the passage of the bond.

When he came to WHS the school was staffed for an enrollment of 750 while the school had 500 students. He said he’s worked to reduce the budget by reducing staff, restructuring classes and creating better efficiency, “all without compromising quality.”

In addition to students, dozens of parents, community members and teachers spoke about Carlson’s commitment to the school.

About 20 students offered their support for Carlson during public comment. Several students said they would have chosen to leave the high school if it had not been for their principal.

Courtney VonLindern said Carlson attends many school events, whether it is band concerts or sports events.

“Students are important to him, not only academically, but emotionally,” she said. “He makes sure we know how much he truly cares about us.”

Parent Linda Chauner said when her daughter Ryan was considering leaving Whitefish High School, it was Carlson that convinced her to stay.

“She was listened to and treated as a young adult,” Chauner said. “She saw someone willing to make changes. He made a difference and I hope he stays.”

A few who gave comments did ask the board to think sensibly.

Joan Vetter Ehrenberg urged the board to make the right decision. She said the superintendent’s recommendation against renewal could not have come without reason.

“There’s a lot of heart with Mr. Carlson, but the head must make the decision,” she said.

Teacher Kelliann Blackburn urged everyone to work together regardless of the meeting’s outcome.

“We all need to go to school tomorrow and get beyond this no matter what,” she said. “We need to do something so this never happens again. Graduation is right around the corner and we’re all suppose to care about the kids.”