West Valley's Ketchum resigns to run for county superintendent

West Valley School District will be searching for a new administrator following Superintendent Cal Ketchum’s resignation.

Ketchum filed this month as a candidate for the office of Flathead County Superintendent of Schools.

“I thought this was a good opportunity to do something different,” Ketchum said. “I’m not ready to retire just yet.”

With his resignation, the board approved a proposal that includes paying six months wages, or $51,000, from July to December.

Ketchum’s last day is June 30, which means he will wrap up his 10th year at the helm of West Valley with the May school elections.

West Valley voters will see a $27.3 million bond issue on the ballot to fund the purchase of 20 acres of land and build a new middle school at the site. There are also three trustee openings for two three-year terms and a one-year term.

Currently, the district is eyeing land located north of Four Mile Drive and near the intersection of Four Mile Drive and West Springcreek Road. If approved, the new middle school would feature classrooms; offices; science, technology, engineering, arts and math labs; a music studio; library and media center; gym; commons; outdoor playing fields and learning areas; in addition to site work such as roads, utilities and parking lots.

The money would also fund remodeling/demolishing older sections of the existing building, located at 2290 Farm to Market Road, to improve safety, security and accessibility. The parking lot and access drives would also be upgraded.

The existing building, which underwent an addition and renovation funded by a $6.8 million bond issue, currently houses elementary through middle school grades. If a new middle school is built, the existing school will become an elementary.

Fueling the construction projects and proposals is growing enrollment, which also means adding staff.

During Ketchum’s tenure, enrollment went from 525 to 813 students and staff members from 50 to 92. In a pinch, staff built two classrooms behind the school to accommodate growth last summer. If the bond doesn’t pass, Ketchum said the school may have to think of building another four classrooms as a stopgap.

Academic-wise, during his tenure, West Valley became accredited through AdvancED, which is an extensive process. Ketchum is content to turn over the reins with the state of the school climate and culture.

West Valley school board chairwoman Stephanie Nadasi was on the school board when Ketchum was hired.

“He’s done a great job at West Valley. It’s sad to see him go.” Nadasi said.

“He’s ready for his next challenge,” she added. “He will do a good job at whatever he chooses to do.”

The hiring process will start by posting the position this or the next week, she said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 406-758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.