Kootenai School District

Thank you for visiting the Kootenai School District website. Also, thank you for the kind welcome you have shown me thus far, and the support you have shown for Kootenai Schools.  This year, the enrollment is up a little at 141 students.  That breaks down to 65 elementary students in K-5, and 76 students in 6-12.  New teachers to the district include Matt Greer, high school science; Jennifer Hanselmann in art and special education; Jill Pilloud in 1^st grade; and Allison Brown in 5^th grade.  On the administrative side, Wade Pilloud is the new K-12 principal; Cody Karst is our part-time Special Education Director, and I am the new part-time Superintendent.  New special education aide staffing includes Danyel Barden, Lexie Reynolds, and Tara Atkin (who splits duties also serving in the after school grant). Karen Krier is out new IDLA para-professional.

I have had a chance to observe in nearly every classroom in the District thus far.  There are MANY quality teachers serving the needs of students in the District.  This is my 29^th year in school administration in Idaho.  I would put the quality and work ethic of this staff up with any staff I have worked with.  Many teachers were coming in during July to prepare for this upcoming year, which is a testament to the work ethic within the staff. 

I have observed in classrooms some very nice young people, a testament to family support and upbringing.  We have quality, dedicated administrators serving in the principal and special education director roles, which is a testament to the reputation of Kootenai as a quality school to work for.

With that being said, we have areas of improvement for our District.  The Board of Trustees is targeting improvement in ISAT testing performance in both English Language Arts and Math.  The focus of improvement in Math is centered on the implementation of a new math curriculum in the K-8. This new curriculum is called “Go Math”.  The leading front for improvement in English Language Arts are the targeted intervention groups in grades K-5. 

We know that improvement, like much of life, is a work in progress.  There are going to be mistakes in life and disappointments.  But we have to pick ourselves up and work toward a better tomorrow.  This includes students, staff and administration.  Improvement is not an end point.  It is an attitude that we all can embrace.

Dennis Kachelmier, Superintendent

Click on the link below for the Winter 2018/2019 Policy Update Release:

 The following items are up for review.

I would like to take this opportunity to THANK EVERYONE for their support of the School District throughout my term as the Trustee for Zone 3. We have an outstanding group of teachers and staff that provide the very best educational environment for every child in their care. I would like to thank all those who offered advice as well as criticism during my tenure. I have seen and heard many comments regarding your Board over the years beginning with stagnation, lack of common sense, vast security changes, something is wrong, 50 percent personnel changes, backstabbing,  personal agendas, a toxic environment. My time is over and now I see what I believe is a regeneration of the goals that provide the foundations for public education. Challenges are numerous and will continue but the District is moving forward and it is my sincere hope that every student will grow and achieve their potential under our guidance. Lastly I do thank you all while encouraging each and every patron to attend the regular Board Meeting each 2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm. in the Harrison Elementary Multipurpose room.

Chair Ralph Kahn

208-689-3712

Striving to provide the best for our students and patrons.