Public input sought in search for Arlee schools superintendent
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ARLEE – The Arlee School Board looked at a list of applicants to try and find a new superintendent for the next school year during a recent special board meeting. Several teachers attended the meeting to give input into the process.
“We want guidance and strong leadership,” elementary teacher Sibley Ligas said. “We hope they find someone that is part of our community and part of who we are as a school.”
The board voted to interview four candidates with one alternate. Board members want community involvement in the final selection process. A Meet and Greet was scheduled so people can get to know the candidates before interviews begin. Folks can submit written comments if they can’t attend the interviews. The board will deliberate after the final interview. If people aren’t happy with the candidates, the search for applicants begins again.
“Not hiring anyone is better than hiring a bad fit,” said Kerri Avery Langoni, a field services specialist helping with the interview process from the Montana School Boards Association.
The Meet and Greet is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the elementary multipurpose room, and the interview process is scheduled for the following evening, Wednesday, April 8, at 4 p.m. in the high school library.
Langoni developed a biography for each candidate.
Thom Peck is currently serving as the superintendent and athletic director for the Charlo School District. He previously served as the grade 6-12 principal for the Three Forks School District. He served as high school principal for the Bigfork School District and as assistant principal and athletic director for the Hamilton School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Carroll College. His master’s degree in education administration is from Seattle Pacific University. He earned his superintendent’s endorsement from the University of Montana, Missoula.
Jason Sargent has served as the high school principal in St. Ignatius for the last 14 years. Prior to this, he worked as a middle school teacher and fourth grade teacher in St. Ignatius. Sargent received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Montana Western in Dillon, and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.
Charles Smith most recently served as the K-12 principal for the Heart Butte School District. Smith also served as the acting superintendent at Heart Butte. Prior to this, Smith worked as an assistant principal and special education teacher for the Savannah Chatham Public Schools. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Southern Illinois University, his master’s degree in education in Special Education – Behavior Disorders from Armstrong Atlantic State University, his Education Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, and Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern University.
David Whitesell currently serves as the superintendent in Stevensville. Prior to this, Whitesell served as superintendent in Polson and Twin Bridges. Whitesell earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Eastern Montana College in Billings, his master’s degree in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University, and is currently working on his Doctorate of Education in Technology Instruction from the University of Montana.
