The recruitment process for a new superintendent for the Kalispell School District is officially underway, the board of trustees announced Sept. 16.
Darlene Schottle will retire from Kalispell School District 5 on June 30 after 11 years as superintendent. The school board is working with the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) to establish a recruitment process.
“The superintendent serves as the chief administrative officer of the school district, so filling the position is one of the most important roles for the school board,” Frank Miller, chair of the Kalispell board, said in a statement.
Miller said the board is intent on being transparent during the search process.
“We think this process will meet that goal, and we believe that Kalispell will attract a lot of interest for this position because of our quality staff and schools,” he said.
Miller said a consultant with the MTSBA told Kalispell board members that the scenic Flathead Valley and the district’s strong reputation will “attract a lot of interest” from candidates.
The goal is to hire a new superintendent by January, Miller said. The contract year for superintendents typically runs from June 30 through July 1.