Whitefish schools super to resign

Whitefish Schools Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt on Monday submitted her resignation to the Board of Trustees, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year.

She is currently serving her fifth year as superintendent.

Last November, Davis Schmidt announced that she would be looking for work outside of Whitefish, citing family obligations and that she would not be renewing her contact with the school district. At the time, Davis Schmidt planned to work through 2021, but indicated she may ask to be released from her contract early.

“I did this early because it is critical to the success of Whitefish Schools and our students that we ensure a smooth transition, including the time and opportunity for the trustees to hire the next superintendent of Whitefish Schools,” she said in a statement to the Pilot.

Davis Schmidt said her husband’s company merged with an out-of- state company and he is spending significant time traveling, making it more difficult for her family, and necessitating her decision to resign.

The Whitefish School Board has established a search committee to begin the process of hiring the next superintendent. Davis Schmidt said she will assist with the transition.

“I care deeply about all of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families and the community of Whitefish,” she said. “I fulfill my leadership role and job duties daily with great pride, integrity, and a belief in all children.”

Davis Schmidt joined the school district in July 2015. Previously she was the executive regional director at Missoula County Public Schools. She was also curriculum and Title I director at Missoula County Schools, and the dean of students and administrative intern at Big Sky High School in Missoula.

She taught at Seeley-Swan High School from 2002 to 2007. She has a doctorate and master’s from the University of Montana.

The school district has marked some large projects during Davis Schmidt’s tenure.

In April 2018, the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship opened on the Whitefish High School campus, providing a variety of educational opportunities for all students in the district.

The district is also constructing a new $26.5 million Muldown Elementary School that will open next fall.