WHITEFISH – Students and administration crammed into a tiny room on Monday night to hear the fate of a nontenured Whitefish High School librarian as her job is in jeopardy.
It was the second meeting on this topic after board members had postponed their decision so they could ask the school administration further questions.
“You genuinely care for so many kids and that you’ve made such a big difference in so many student’s lives,” Whitefish School Board member Katie Clarke said.
“That’s a huge part of this I just want to make sure on the board’s part we’re doing our due diligence,” she added.
Chani Craig came to the Whitefish High School library two years ago and has had an impact on students. Now, the district is looking at bot renewing Craig’s three-year contract based on not being a good fit.
District administrators are citing reasons like tardiness and security issues as reasons for nonrenewal.
Board members debated going against administrations recommendations saying doing so would undermine the system in place.
But others suggested Craig should complete the three years which would act as a probationary period.
Whitefish High School sophomore Samantha Galbraith told MTN News that Craig has impacted her life personally.
“I’m always behind her desk and I’m talking with her, she, is a really really great person. She’s built a lot of confidence in my life specifically towards what I want to do in life. And she’s been a great impact on myself personally,” Galbraith said.
The Whitefish School Board talked about the issue for an hour before a vote ended in a tie which means Craig will keep her job at the school for now.
However, the situation may not be over as at any time a board member can reintroduce this topic of nonrenewal again.
