Three school districts to have new superintendents
West Valley, Helena Flats and Cayuse Prairie school districts will have new superintendents for the 2012-13 school year.
West Valley will welcome Cal Ketchum of Kellogg, Idaho, as the new superintendent of the district, which has an enrollment of 485 students.
He replaces Todd Fiske, who accepted a position as executive director at Summit Preparatory School west of Kalispell.
Ketchum has a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Idaho, a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University, a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice from Central Washington University and an associate’s in Law Enforcement from Everett Community College.
Currently he is completing a master’s degree at the University of Idaho.
Ketchum began teaching in 1995. Over the years he taught fifth-, seventh- and eighth-graders in science, math, history and health. He became a principal in 2006 at Kellogg Middle School, where he is finishing the year.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom and still consider myself a teacher at heart,” Ketchum said.
Ketchum said he is looking forward to working with the board and staff to set goals for the next school year. With relatives living in Kalispell, he also looks forward to the recreational opportunities.
Helena Flats School District’s new superintendent is Gary Weitz of Colfax, Wash. He replaces Ann Minckler, who is moving to Phoenix where her husband will start a new job.
Weitz brings with him 15 years of teaching and 12 years of administrative experience, completing the school year as principal of Colfax High School.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and Physical Education and Master of Teacher Education degree, both from Eastern Oregon University.
The small school setting — Helena Flats’ enrollment is 212 students — talented staff and community support for education drew him to the position.
Going into next school year, he will focus on creating a smooth transition of leadership.
“It takes the collaboration and partnership of all stakeholders in the educational family — staff, parents, community— to support our children,” Weitz said.
Weitz began his education career in Oregon as a high school social sciences teacher in 1985. He began his administrative career in 2000.
At Cayuse Prairie, Ennis native Amy Piazzola will become the new principal/superintendent. She succeeds Rick Nadeau.
Nadeau, who resigned in December for health reasons, died in early January.
Piazzola brings 19 years of experience in education to the district, which has an enrollment of 198 students.
Piazzola has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Montana College and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Rocky Mountain College.
In 1993, she began teaching fifth grade at a year-round school in Nevada. After seven years, she moved back to Montana where she taught kindergarten and then first grade at Noxon Elementary, where she is completing the school year.
Pursuing an administrative role seemed a natural step in her career after she took on different leadership roles.
In an introduction letter to Cayuse Prairie trustees, Piazzola talked about her goals: “I am excited to talk with each of you about what you love about your school, what traditions and rituals you deem important to continue at Cayuse Prairie and what new ideas you have to bring us together as a school community.”
After visiting the school in January, Piazzola said it was a good fit for her family and professional goals.
“I love kids and enjoy watching their development as they progress through their educational experience,” Piazzola said.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.