Schellinger and Pitman to serve again on Whitefish School Board

Incumbents Elizabeth Pitman and Darcy Schellinger have been elected to serve as trustees on the Whitefish School Board by a vote of acclamation.  

Their current terms end May 2025 and will be renewed for three years.  

This will be Pitman’s second term, plus some change. She served three months after being selected by a district committee in January 2022 after a resignation and was elected by the community for her first full term three months later.  

Pitman, a veterinarian at Alpine Animal Hospital, said that the decision to serve again is rooted in her support for public education. 

“Public schools provide every child with the opportunity to learn, grow and discover their potential,” Pitman said last week.  

“Serving on the school board has given me the opportunity to advocate for our students, support our dedicated educators, and work toward policies that reflect our shared values. I’m proud of what we have accomplished so far, and I look forward to continuing this important work.” 

For Schellinger, this will be her third term after first being elected in 2019.  

“I keep serving because I believe in public education with my whole heart,” Schellinger said. “My experience over two terms helps me understand both where we've been and where we need to go. I want to keep serving because this work matters - not just for today's students but for the future of our whole community.” 

Schellinger pointed to making local decisions as well as speaking up at the state level as important things the board does to ensure every student receives a great education. 

Both Pitman and Schellinger will help see through the upcoming high school and athletic expansions.  

“Getting that bond passed wasn't easy - it took lots of conversations and community effort, but we made it happen together,” Schellinger said.

With a vote of acclamation, there is no trustee election necessary, but there is still a May 6 election for a levy of $100,000 for general operations, which would result in a tax increase of 86 cents per year for every $100,000 of a home's assessed value.  

Ballots for the levy must be received by mail or dropped off at the Whitefish School District Office at 600 E. Second St. in Whitefish by May 6 at 8 p.m.