Finalists selected for Whitefish superintendent
Four finalists for the Whitefish School District superintendent position have been selected for interviews beginning next week.
Northwest Leadership Associates is assisting the district in recruiting a superintendent to replace Kate Orozco, who announced her resignation in March. Twelve candidates applied for the position.
Each of the four finalists come with various backgrounds and levels of experience.
On Monday, May 11 the Whitefish School Board will interview Lance Pearson and Josh Middleton.
Pearson is the current superintendent at Victor Public Schools. He previously was an elementary principal in Troy, and a teacher in Reno, Nev. He has a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Nevada.
Middleton is a former assistant superintendent of the Billings School District. He also served eight years as superintendent of the Laurel School District, and four years at Valier Public Schools. He has a doctorate from Montana State University.
On Tuesday, May 12 the board will interview Rick Duncan and Heather Davis Schmidt.
Duncan is superintendent at the Powell County High School District in Deer Lodge. He previously served as a high school principal and activities director in Powell County. Duncan has taught in Jackson, Wyo., and in Plains. He has a master’s from the University of Wyoming.
Davis Schmidt is executive regional director at Missoula County Public Schools. She previously was curriculum and Title I director at Missoula County Schools, and the dean of students and administrative intern at Big Sky High School in Missoula. She taught at Seeley-Swan High School from 2002-07. She has a doctorate and master’s from the University of Montana.
The community is invited to attend a public forum for each of the candidates next Monday and Tuesday from 6-6:45 p.m. and 6:45-7:30 p.m. in the Whitefish School District Board Room.
Candidates also will tour each of the schools, meeting with administration and students.
The board will meet in a closed executive session on the morning of May 13 to decide whether to offer any of the finalists a contract.
If the board decides to offer a contract, they will make a formal announcement at their regular meeting May 13, followed by a vote.
Should the board decide not to offer any of the candidates a contract, they will move forward with finding an interim superintendent for next school year. The district has been in discussions with former Kalispell Public Schools superintendent Darlene Schottle about serving as interim superintendent.