Missoula educator to lead Whitefish schools

Heather Davis Schmidt of Missoula has been selected as the new Whitefish School District superintendent.

The school board voted to hire Davis Schmidt, 44, on Wednesday night following two days of interviews.

“I’m very excited,” Davis Schmidt said Thursday. “The Whitefish community is so engaged in education. Whitefish has some amazing learning experiences and opportunities for their students.”

School board chairman Shawn Watts said the school district had a great group of finalists to consider for the position and there were good aspects to each person, but “Dr. Davis Schmidt brings the whole package,” he said.

Watts said the district’s vision for excellent educational outcomes meshed with Davis Schmidt’s.

“In general we’re looking for someone equally adept and focused on both progressive academic and instructional methods and someone obviously with managerial skills,” Watts said. “We felt like she brings accomplishment and experience in those areas.”

Davis Schmidt is currently the executive regional director for Region 2 of Missoula County Public Schools. Region 2 has an enrollment of 3,200 students including International Baccalaureate world schools.

Prior to that, she was director of curriculum and Title 1 in Missoula from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, she was named Montana School Administrator of the Year by the Montana School Counselor Association.

Davis Schmidt holds a doctorate in education curriculum and instruction from the University of Montana.

In her resume, Davis Schmidt listed her accomplishments, including implementing the first dual-language immersion program in a Montana public school, providing leadership in creating three International Baccalaureate Programmes and integrating Project Lead the Way science, technology, engineering and math programs.

Davis Schmidt said the Whitefish community and the school board drew her to the position in terms of how supportive stake holders are in education. Davis Schmidt said that support is key in forming a strong relationship among the school board, administration, staff and community.

Pending contract negotiations, she will replace departing Superintendent Kate Orozco. During Orozco’s tenure, Whitefish High School underwent a $23 million renovation and expansion. The high school has implemented block scheduling and new educational opportunities in applied media arts and sciences.

“Initially, my goals will be to really get to know the community and the school district,” Davis Schmidt said. “Find out what’s in place that’s working well and learning the hopes and dreams of all stake holders, then working with the board, administration and staff to come up with the next steps.”  

The district is looking to make upgrades to Muldown Elementary School. Recently, the district has entered into a contract with Schneider Electric to do an energy audit to determine any energy- and cost-saving projects on district facilities with a focus on Muldown.

Other candidates who interviewed for the position were Rick Duncan, superintendent of Powell County High School District in Deer Lodge; Josh Middleton, former assistant superintendent of Billings School District; and Lance Pearson, superintendent of Victor Public Schools.

“I just feel so honored and lucky to have this opportunity that I can’t wait to get started,” Davis Schmidt said.

Davis Schmidt also was a finalist this week for the school superintendent job in Sequim, Washington, but she withdrew after being offered the Whitefish position.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.