Flathead County Superintendent of Schools Election: Ketchum wants to do what’s best for kids

Cal Ketchum

Republican

Age: 60

Occupation: West Valley School District Superintendent

Family: Wife Tracy, two grown children and three grandchildren

Background/community involvement: Career in education for 32 years with 16 as a teacher in the Wallace and Kellogg, Idaho school districts, six years as a middle school principal in the Kellogg, Idaho School District and 10 as the West Valley School District Superintendent. Member of Canvas Church, football official and basketball referee for middle and high schools, and a lead evaluator with AdvancEd, evaluating schools for national accreditation.

Website/email:electketchum.com, calketchum1@gmail.com

Why do you want to be Superintendent of Schools?

Whether as a teacher, principal, or superintendent I have always based my decisions and actions around one question: “Are we doing what is best for kids?” We need to put all kids first, whether public, private, or homeschool and make sure they are getting the best education possible. I want to continue my career in education using my experience and knowledge of the educational system, to further serve the students and families of the Flathead Valley. There are 19 school districts in the Flathead Valley, as well as several private schools, all with unique needs and opportunities, and a robust homeschool group. Our local private schools and homeschools also provide exceptional opportunities. I want to use the experiences and knowledge I’ve gained to support each one of these educational programs as they strive to capitalize on their unique services and areas of opportunity to provide the best possible education for our students. I have been challenged and stretched on my journey in education and desire to continue serving and learning.

What qualities and specific job skills do you have that will allow you to be an effective Superintendent of Schools?

Over the last 32 years in education, I have learned to first listen to understand, gather as much information as possible, from as many sources as possible, and use that process to make well informed decisions. I am able to separate my personal feelings and keep what’s best for kids at the forefront of critical decision making.

Job skills: Oversee $6 million budget; hired over 60 staff, oversaw creation of five-year strategic plan, guided national accreditation, created an evaluation tool working with staff, and brought in new curriculum, all at West Valley. President of School Administrators of Montana, president of Montana Association of School Superintendents, president of Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents, Superintendent of the Year in 2016.

What changes, if any, would you make in how the Superintendent of Schools Office is run?

I want to thank all of the previous county superintendents for laying the groundwork for future superintendents. I’ve worked with Marcia Sheffels and Jack Eggensberger, the previous two county superintendents, and both did a great job. I have learned a great deal from them and would continue to seek their wisdom.

I would like to build opportunities for all of the smaller school districts that feed into the Kalispell School District to work together to create a seamless transfer. I would also work to support our private schools and our homeschool community in providing the best education and opportunities for students.

I will also continue to stay on top of the educational bills being proposed and advocate for our students and the values we hold.