Wiltse replaces Parker as new Pateros school principal/superintendent

PATEROS – There is a changing of the guard at the Pateros School District, starting at the top with the superintendent. Interim superintendent Mike Parker posted a statement on the school website late last month announcing that his position with the school will end in the last week of June.

“I have really totally enjoyed this experience,” wrote Parker. “The staff was wonderful to work with and the students were awesome.”

Parker agreed to come on board as the school’s interim superintendent seven months ago as a replacement for outgoing superintendent Greg Goodnight.

The district board of directors recently appointed Scotti Wiltse to fill a new dual role as both TK-12 Principal and Superintendent as a means to save money and address declining school enrollment. Wiltse previously served as the district’s Grant and Assessment Coordinator.

“She attended school in Pateros, taught in Pateros, and as a result knows the students and staff well,” wrote Parker. “She will be a tremendous asset to the district.”

School Athletic Director Marcus Stennes will step into Wiltse’s vacancy as the new Grant and Assessment Coordinator but will continue as A.D. with help from Brevin Evenson.

Other board-approved staff changes include hiring long-time Pateros Special Education teacher Sherri Mortimer as part-time Dean of Students next year. Mortimer will continue to be the district’s SPED teacher/coordinator.

Parker also reported that the new mezzanine addition funded through a special vote of the citizens in 2019 is now complete.

“This bond provided funding for the mezzanine and the covered play area for elementary students and improvements to the music room,” Parker wrote.

The mezzanine will be particularly helpful as a play area during rainy days and the winter months, Parker extended a “huge thanks” to Jason Getzin, Nolan Tonseth, Hector Avila, and Jayden Rose for their work on the new addition.