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Watch the Welcome to Blaine County spotlight video here:
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MARK GASENICA
Why choose the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Mark Gasenica, a teacher at BCSD, was drawn to the district by the opportunity to work with kids and his interest in the process of watching students learn. He finds it rewarding to be part of a community where the support for educators is strong.
What Mark enjoys most about working in BCSD is the support he receives from his school’s administration and the district’s efforts to provide a positive environment for educators. He appreciates being in a place where he is trusted and valued.
Mark believes the district offers a unique opportunity for those who enjoy teaching. He finds it to be a supportive environment that allows educators to get involved at their preferred level, without feeling pressured to exceed their expertise.
A moment that stands out for Mark during his time with the district was when he helped deliver lunches during the pandemic. Being out in the community, interacting with students and their families, made him feel connected and proud to be part of the district’s efforts.
MARY GIN BARRON
Why choose the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Mary Gin Barron, a 5th grade teacher at BCSD, brings 31 years of passion and experience to the classroom. She started her journey in Idaho as a Forest Service River Checker at Corn Creek, which introduced her to Ketchum. After waiting tables at Louie’s and working other seasonal jobs, Mary decided to stay in the area. She earned her Idaho teacher’s certification, joined BCSD, and built her life and career in the place she loves!
Mary’s favorite part about working in the district is the people she gets to work with. "The staff members of BCSD are fun, adventurous people who make work enjoyable," she says.
For Mary, the quality of life in the district and its surroundings stand out. "We have a plethora of outdoor activities, as well as high-quality arts,” she says.
Mary likes when former students ask her questions when they run into her in town. She recalls one asking, “Do you still reenact the Boston Tea Party?” and another reminiscing about the economics system she had set up in her class, saying, "I owned two desks when I was in 5th grade."
These connections are what make her proud to be part of BCSD!
TEAGAN ANDERSON
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
As a paraprofessional and JV coach, Teagan Anderson joined BCSD to take on meaningful work in a district known for its competitive pay and exciting opportunities.
Teagan’s favorite part of his role is building positive relationships with students across all grade levels, from kindergarten to high school. Whether in the classroom or on the court, he takes pride in helping students grow and succeed.
Two moments stand out as highlights in Teagan’s career. In his first year as a special education paraprofessional, he enjoyed forming meaningful connections with his students. Later, as a 7th grade boys basketball coach, leading his team to their first win and seeing the joy it brought his players motivated him to continue coaching.
Now, as a JV coach, he’s excited to inspire students at every grade level!
CLARA MARTIN
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Clara Martin, custodial manager for BCSD, exemplifies dedication and excellence in her role. Starting as a custodian in 1990, Clara has steadily climbed the ranks to head custodian and now manager, building a career rooted in hard work and commitment. She was initially drawn to the district by its positive reputation.
What Clara values most about her work is the collaboration and camaraderie she shares with the custodians and staff. These relationships create a supportive environment that inspires her daily.
For Clara, BCSD is a special place to build a career.
“If you are looking for stability, great benefits, and caring people, and love the mountains and winters, you cannot go wrong working for the school district,” she says.
One moment that stands out for Clara was when a former high school principal commended her on her exceptional work. His words of encouragement not only validated her efforts, but also reinforced her commitment to being the best in her role!
DUTES BLONDELL
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
For Dutes Blondell, working as a custodian for BCSD offers the perfect combination of a stable job, excellent benefits, and an enjoyable work environment.
Dutes values the connections he’s built with his colleagues and appreciates the welcoming and collaborative atmosphere within the district. He believes BCSD offers a rewarding experience, surrounded by supportive and kind people who make every day enjoyable.
When asked what makes him proud to be part of BCSD, Dutes shared that “every day is special!”
MATT NELSON
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Matt Nelson, a 6th grade math teacher and the WRMS activities director, is a proud product of Hailey, where he was born and raised. His connection to the community runs deep, as his mother taught in the district for 42 years. He views Blaine County as a perfect place to raise children and provide them with the best education in the state.
What Matt loves most about his work in the district is the opportunity to connect with kids. He enjoys the lasting bonds he forms with his students and the sense of community that comes with living in such a tight-knit town.
“It’s amazing to walk around town and have former students still call me ‘Mr. Nelson’ or ‘Coach,’” he says. “It’s a place where everyone knows your name and your story.”
For Matt, Blaine County offers the ideal work-life balance. It’s a great place for anyone who loves the outdoors and appreciates sunny days. Although winters can be cold, there are plenty of clear skies that allow for outdoor activities and enjoying the stunning scenery. Working for BCSD allows him to focus on educating students during the day while having plenty of time to pursue hobbies in the afternoons and summer.
One of Matt’s proudest moments as a BCSD employee is when he runs into a former student and gets to hear about their life since graduation. “We do great work here, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
WAYNE MODICA
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Wayne Modica, a valued member of our transportation department, was drawn to work for the Blaine County School District because of the people and benefits it offers. Since joining the team, he’s appreciated the strong sense of community within the district.
His favorite part of working at BCSD is the teamwork. Wayne values being part of a group where everyone works together toward a common goal.
Wayne believes the Blaine County School District is special for both its educators and its students.
“We are a team that cares about our community and the kids who live here,” he says.
One of the most impactful moments for Wayne was during his interview, when his director explained the importance of the transportation team’s work. This moment left a lasting impression and solidified his pride in being a part of BCSD. 🚍
JENNIFER PETERSON
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Jennifer Peterson, a 6th grade English teacher, was drawn to BCSD when she began working with the developmental preschool 23 years ago. Since then, she has continued to thrive in the district’s supportive environment.
What Jennifer enjoys most about working in BCSD is the strong sense of camaraderie among the staff. She values the way colleagues come together to support one another and collaborate in ways that enhance the educational experience for all students.
When it comes to why someone should choose to work, live, or learn in Blaine County, Jennifer points to the compassionate, dedicated, and generous nature of the district’s community.
A moment that made Jennifer particularly proud came when her daughter, who had been diagnosed with cancer, was granted permission to walk at her graduation.
“We didn't know if she would be alive to graduate high school. She did, but not conventionally, like her sister,” Jennifer says. “But they grew up Bellevue Bears and were Wood River Middle School Wolverines first, and the other twin stayed the course at Wood River High School. They got a petition signed by their lifelong classmates asking that she be able to walk with them and her twin. Permission granted!” 🎓❤️
SHAWN SCHUMACHER
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Shawn Schumacher was drawn to BCSD by its stunning mountain setting and unique Dual Immersion program. Since joining our team, she’s found so much more than a workplace—she’s discovered a vibrant community where students, families, and educators come together to create something truly special.
What Shawn loves most about working in BCSD is the sense of connection.
“I love the community that is created between students, families, and educators,” she says.
When reflecting on her time in the district, Shawn highlights the deep friendships she’s built through teaching. These relationships exemplify the supportive and collaborative spirit of BCSD, which makes her proud to be part of such a dynamic community.
SUPERINTENDENT FOUDY
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Superintendent Foudy joined BCSD with a clear mission: to help. He saw an opportunity to support the district’s diverse population, including multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and a significant number of students classified as economically disadvantaged.
Carefully leveraging BCSD’s resources, Superintendent Foudy is focused on directly benefiting students and families.
What he loves most about serving at BCSD is the community’s unwavering support for its students.
When asked why someone should choose BCSD, he emphasized the unique and fulfilling experience it offers.
“You’ll never have another experience like this,” he says. “We can choose to work anywhere. In Blaine County, you can make a difference and a real impact on the lives of students and families.”
HANNAH BEANE
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Hannah Beane chose to join BCSD because of her love for working with adolescent students and her passion for the natural world. She finds immense joy in inspiring her students to explore and appreciate the environment around them.
Her favorite part of teaching here is the WRMS Outdoor Program, which allows students to build community, practice leadership skills, and connect with the incredible place they call home.
Hannah believes BCSD is truly special because of the exceptional opportunities it provides to students, including Idaho Battle of the Books, Dual Immersion, Robotics, and more.
One moment that made Hannah especially proud to be part of BCSD happened during an all-girls backpacking trip to the Pioneer Mountains. A student shared that she had never hiked East Fork, even though she lived nearby. Through this trip, the student connected her classroom learning to the world around her, made lifelong friends, and created lasting memories.
“Being a part of these sort of experiences is why I am proud to be a BCSD teacher,” Hannah says.
SCOTT SLONIM
Why the Blaine County School District? 🌄
Scott Slonim’s dream of living in Blaine County started when he was just eight years old. By 34, he made it a reality and immediately recognized the district’s exceptional qualities.
“On day one, I knew this was an amazing district. The schools were beautiful, well run with friendly people, and you got to actually teach. Also, I had never seen specials before!” he shared.
Scott loves working with our incredible students and engaging in unique programs like the winter program, where he gets to take students skiing—a true highlight of the year.
For those considering BCSD, Scott emphasizes the district’s exceptional offerings: excellent schools, enriching programs, breathtaking scenery, and a tight-knit community. “My son is getting an incredible education here,” he says.
One of Scott’s proudest moments is sharing what he does:
“Every time I tell someone I teach engineering design, they ask if it’s a private school, and I proudly tell them it’s public and offered in all our elementary schools!”
DEVAN HOEHN
Why Blaine County School District? 🌄
Devan Hoehn’s connection to Blaine County School District runs deep— she moved to Hailey at age 5 when her mom took a teaching position here. Growing up in the BCSD community, she attended Bellevue for kindergarten, graduated from WRHS, and eventually returned as a teacher herself! Devan even had the chance to teach alongside her mom for six years before her retirement.
When asked what she loves most about working at BCSD, Devan shared: “I love my co-workers! They’re supportive and make every day enjoyable. I also value the creative freedom to develop new ideas that help meet our students' unique needs.”
Devan loves the Wood River Valley community for its world-class outdoor adventures and sees it as a safe, active place to raise her daughters. “I'm proud they attend BCSD and benefit from an excellent education,” she says.One moment that always fills Devan with pride? Graduation day, when she watches students cross the stage. She’s especially proud of the Newcomer Center at WRHS, which is a welcoming space for students new to the U.S. and the English language, providing them with a supportive home base.MORGAN BALLIS
Why Blaine County School District? 🌄
Morgan Ballis joined BCSD with a mission to support students, families, and staff in meaningful ways. Driven to change perceptions of law enforcement, he works daily to build strong relationships with our students, helping them see the potential in themselves that others once saw in him.
When asked what makes him proud to be a part of BCSD, Morgan replied, "Our superintendent, school board, administrators, and staff have shown overwhelming commitment to school safety. Our district has made remarkable progress in a short time to create a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. I am incredibly proud of our team’s embrace of evidence-based school safety practices."Morgan feels that "Working, living, and learning in our community is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. At BCSD, you don’t just have colleagues— you have a family that goes above and beyond to support you in every aspect of life."
