Will Gottlab

Will Gottlab

Administrator

My name is Will Gottlob. I am the Superintendent of White Lake School District #1-3 as well as K-12 principal. This is my first year in this position. I spent the last 5 years as the 6-12 Math teacher, also in White Lake. My wife, Tayla, also teaches in the district as the k-12 SPED teacher. We just celebrated out 5-year wedding anniversary and the one-year birthday of our child, Greyson. I am currently working on my specialist degree in school administration-superintendent at the University of South Dakota. I got my masters in school administration from South Dakota State University. I got my bachelor’s in mathematics and education from Black Hills State University. I have also coached all five years in White Lake and three more years in my time during college at Belle Fourche High School.

I support the work Tim McGowan is doing as I see a need in our district for more connection and pride in our school among both students and staff. The workshop he did with our staff was described as the most unique and enjoyable experience our staff has had in recent memory. Our students enjoy the comradery and getting to work with younger students. While we are very early in the process, I see this being a very worthwhile and beneficial program for our district.

 

Outcomes:

Groups became increasingly unified, exhibiting a shared commitment to healthy norms, and actively encouraged peers in help-seeking behaviors, fostering a supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood.
Social Network Health's interactive training fostered an even more dynamic relationship network. Within these groups, vulnerable members can draw strength from adaptive members, leading to more changes in who they identify as valued connections.
Schools have reported significant improvements in various metrics, including increased daily attendance, higher graduation rates, enhanced identification of Trusted Adults, greater willingness to seek help, and improved connectedness among students and staff. Additionally, school disciplinary issues have notably declined, reflecting the program's positive impact on the school climate and student well-being.

Network Enhancing Facilitation Strategies

Creating an environment for collaborative learning to develop protective strengths and networks through:

From Individual To Group Focus