Townsend Schools Begins Search For Interim, Permanent Superintendent
 | Author:
Linda Kent, MT43 News Staff Reporter
MT43 News Correspondent |
Townsend Schools Begins Search for Interim, Permanent Superintendent
Linda Kent
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Townsend K-12 District School Board has opened the search for an interim and permanent superintendent, following the election of current superintendent Susie Hedalen as State Superintendent of Schools.
Hedalen has not yet tendered her resignation to the board. However, she told trustees that she would be doing so soon, with Dec. 9 likely her last day in her current role.
“I’ve had a most incredible experience,” Hedalen said of time at Townsend Schools. “I would have been able to accomplish what I’ve accomplished without the support of my team.”
Board Chairman Jason Noyes said during the Trustee’s regular Nov. 12 meeting that board members had held a working session earlier in the year to identify a strategy should Hedalen leave the district for state office. At that time, Noyes continued, the board agreed that the building principals would be asked to step in to cover Hedalen’s duties, with veteran principal Brad Racht acting as point person for decision-making.
Noyes added that advertising for an interim principal would address accreditation concerns that may arise prior to the hire of a permanent superintendent. However, he said, in his discussions with several current and former superintendents, finding someone to fill the role short-term might be difficult.
The deadline for applicants for the short-term position will be Dec. 9. The permanent hire position will close in early January.
