Drown selected as WHS principal

Kerry Drown is the new principal of Whitefish High School. The School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to name Drown to the position that was left open after Dave Carlson resigned late last month. Drown has served as principal at the middle school for five years and has worked in the district for 21 years.

“This is a very humbling moment,” Drown told the school board after the vote. “It’s always been an honor and a privilege to be in this district. I’ll certainly miss the incredible staff and students and families. I feel honored and privileged to be placed at the helm of the high school.”

Superintendent Kate Orozco said Drown expressed interest in the position.

She said Drown will bring the stability to the school that would not be gained through an interim principal.

“We need real leadership to continue to support the innovations that are happening at the high school,” she said.

Orozco acknowledged that the district had limited time to select a principal before the new school year. Drown was put through a vigorous interview process before being selected, she noted.

“We were concerned about the timeline, but we worked to balance that with a good decision that is best for the students,” she said. “The interview team and trustees highly recommended that Mr. Drown be our high school principal.”

Several trustees noted that their confidence in Drown’s ability to lead the high school.

“I hope that people aren’t left with the impression that we’re making this selection based on time,” trustee Charlie Abell said. “I think Mr. Drown will make an excellent principal at the high school.”

Carlson left as part of a separation agreement with the district. He was paid his annual salary for one year in return for his voluntary resignation.

The resignation came just a month after students rallied around Carlson when his job was in jeopardy after Orozco recommended not to renew his contract. The superintendent later reversed the recommendation and the school board voted to renew his contract.

Drown said he has been disheartened by the hostile feelings, lack of confidence and negative publicity of the district recently.

“No one benefits when the educational community has been divided like it has been,” he said. “I’m an educator, a parent and a community member and it’s my desire to be part of the solution that creates trust, confidence in and among our schools.”

Drown’s departure from the middle school still leaves the district with an open administrative position to fill.

Orozco said the district will immediately begin looking for a replacement.

“Hiring teachers and leaders in mid-July is a challenge,” she said. “We’re facing that challenge still.”