SEELEY LAKE - Missoula County Public Schools announced Kellen Palmer, current Instructional Coach at Douglas High School in Douglas, Wyo., will fill the principal position at Seeley-Swan starting with the 2019-20 school year. Palmer was among three candidates that were interviewed the last week of February and was the only one that was not current MCPS faculty.
Palmer grew up in Fairfield, Mont. He served as the Assistant Coach of the University of Montana-Western men’s basketball team in 2009-2010 in Dillon, Mont. After moving to Wyoming, he worked as a math teacher and basketball coach at Douglas High School prior to taking his current position as Instructional Coach.
In this role, Palmer led building-level professional development, is the Response to Intervention team leader, facilitated departmental Professional Learning Communities and used the Marzano Framework of the Art and Science of Teaching with staff to improve instructional practice.
Julie Robitaille, Executive Regional Director for MCPS who supervises the SSHS principal and led the interview process for hiring the new principal, said through the interview process, Palmer demonstrated excellent leadership capabilities and he connected well with staff, students and community members who participated in the process.
“It is clear that he is a student advocate and that he is passionate about providing excellent educational opportunities for all. He spoke about connecting with the community to continue the great work that SSHS staff and students have established over the past several years,” wrote Robitaille in an email. “We are excited to connect Mr. Palmer with Dr. Kathleen Pecora [retiring SSHS principal] for a smooth transition into the 2019-2020 school year.”
Robitaille added that Palmer and his wife are excited to reestablish Montana roots in the Seeley-Swan community where their young family can grow and flourish.
Palmer was one of four new principals that MCPS hired for the 2019-2020 school year. Lynsi Morris, current MCPS Instructional Coach, will fill the principal position at Franklin Elementary. Ty Solberg, current C.S. Porter Middle School Assistant Principal, moved up to fill the principal position at C.S. Porter. And Ryan Rettig, current Principal of Washington Elementary in Kennewick, Wash. will fill the principal position at Sentinel High School.
MCPS Superintendent Mark Thane is proud to see each of these leaders assume these new leadership positions.
“I am excited to see these new leaders continue to help our district as well as their school communities in reaching our full potential,” commented Thane.
For additional information, contact Hatton Littman at 406-239-9066 or via email at hlittman@mcps.k12.mt.us.
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