Superintendent files discrimination claim

MISSOULA — Polson School District Superintendent David Whitesell filed a discrimination complaint against the district, alleging that he’s been discriminated against because he is Native American.

On Feb. 24, Whitesell filed the complaint, charging that while superintendent, he’s been subjected to a racially hostile work environment. The charge claims that on two separate occasions, board member Nancy Lindsey has made disparaging racial remarks toward and in front of Whitesell. The superintendent also claims that in the middle of December, board member Robert Ricketts filed a police report regarding lost documents, alleging Whitesell had destroyed them, even though Whitesell has no responsibility for record keeping.

Also among the claims made by Whitesell are that the district has neglected to follow policy when issuing performance evaluations, using the process against him in a punitive fashion, and that former superintendents were not treated in a similar way.

Whitesell believes he’s performed his job in a satisfactory manner and he’s been treated differently because of his race.