Polson picks superintendnet

The Polson Board of Trustees voted unanimously this past Thursday, choosing candidate David Whitesell as its choice for the districts superintendent position.

Four candidates toured the area and were interviewed to take over the position being vacated by Sue McCormick, who announced her resignation in 2008. Whitesell was the final candidate interviewed, and said in a later interview that his mission as an administrator is to be “fair, firm and friendly.”

The contract negotiation is moving along, Whitesell said on Monday.

“Its happening,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting a few small things worked out.”

At the board’s regular meeting on Monday, trustee chairperson said Mark Russel that the contract negotiations should be finalized soon.

If finalized, the contract would begin on July 1.

The board asked each candidate 13 questions, touching on personal biographies, general philosophies and leadership styles, to the reality of having the district located on a reservation. Whitesell gave direct, concise answers to most questions, often mixing humor into his responses.

When asked about cuts, Whitesell said that a key is to keep the community and district involved and up-to-date on budget situations.

“If you cut, you cut as far away as you can from the child,” Whitesell said.

He called the tendency to “whack” art programs “wrong,” and noted the necessity to keep “the right (side of the) brain stimulated.”

Whitesell reiterated several times the need for a superintendent to be “available” and “transparent.” During the Monday interview with the Leader, Whitesell said that attending a variety of community events, like coffee socials and athletic events, is crucial.

He said intends to join, and become an active member in, the Polson Chamber of Commerce.

“I think the main thing is to be out there, be receptive, and be able to be able to report to the community what exactly the school is facing,” Whitesell said. “Developing a relationships with the community is a huge piece of what the superintendents do.”

Later in the board interview, Whitesell said there are vehicles in place to address the to distinct cultures and Native American studies provisions in the Polson district.

“Promoting learning about learning within your staff” is key, he said.

Whitesell’s father was an educator on Bureau of Indian Affairs dorm schools, and Whitesell lived with his family at several BIA campuses throughout his childhood. Whitesell attended mainly public schools, but was exposed to Native American culture because of his father’s job.

Whitesell said his strengths - being firm, fair and friendly - come from advice his dad gave him. Being confident to admit when he’s when is another trait Whitesell listed, but he said that doesn’t happen very often.

“What you see is what you get,” he said.

Both residents who spoke during the short public comment period of the process mentioned Whitesell as a strong and personable candidate.

Erik Fredell, the first candidate to interview, was also mentioned during the public comment as being a candidate particularly concerned about the students’ needs. Linda Reksten, a former Polson resident and administrator in southern California, was interviewed on Wednesday. James Whealon, the former Anaconda Public School District superintendent, interviewed with the board prior to Whitesell on Thursday.

The board listened to public comment before going to executive session and announcing the decision late on Thursday night.

Whitesell is currently the superintendent for the Twin Bridges School District, where he has served since 2001.

During his board interview, Whitesell announced that he had in fact, graduated from Ronan High School, something the board ultimately did not hold against him.

Whitesell graduated from Ronan High School, after moving with his educator father to many locations throughout the west. Whitesell was an administrator in New Mexico for several years before moving back to Montana and is currently working on his doctorate at the University of Montana. He was about four classes to finish, along with several other requirements and a dissertation.

He and his wife, Rae, have six children, three of whom are school aged. At the board interview, Whitesell said he would be proud to have his children attend Polson school’s

On Monday he said they’re excited, and a little nervous about the move.

“We’re going to be back and forth a lot this spring . . . I would like to get them into some camps this summer,” Whitesell said.

Trustee Vernon Finley said the quality of the candidates in the search was encouraging.

I think that as far as the superintendent search, we were very please with the quality of candidates we got.

“I don’t think we could have gone wrong with any of the four,” Finley said. “The result was just fine tuning of just how well the person would fit in our district.”

Other busines at Monday’s meeting, enrollment numbers were reported. The total enrollment for the district 1,650.

The Board also heard school reports. Current superintendent Sue McCormick made a budget committee presentation, although the state’s budget is still unknown, an e-mail from Polson outreach coordinator Marsha Anson said.