SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Elementary School board voted unanimously at their special meeting March 4 to initiate a contract with Eric Larson for the SLE superintendent/principal position. Larson submitted a letter, declining the appointment citing obligations to his extended family. The board will further discuss their options at their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Jon Konen, Eric Larson and Josh Gibbs interviewed for the superintendent position March 1. The board deferred the decision until March 4 prior to which Konen accepted a job with Corvallis High School.
During the public comment, several members of the community commented that all of the candidates were good and would serve the District well. Konen and Gibbs rose to the top for the public that spoke. Comments included they were both well researched and willing to speak out about both strengths and weaknesses at SLE. Konen’s stability being in Great Falls since 2007 was highlighted as a strength and something SLE needed.
While some saw Gibbs as more timid and pointed out that he had less experience than the other candidates, others felt he was very approachable, they appreciated his honestly and his past experience showed he was willing to tackle challenges similar to what SLE is currently facing.
The point was made that both Konen and Larson had strengths in areas including Title 1, special education and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable students that were identified in SLE’s recent strategic planning session.
Larson was very focused and intense. While his energy was too much for some and others felt he was less approachable than the other candidates, still others appreciated his energy and felt it could really help move SLE in a positive direction.
At their March 4 meeting, the board shared their thoughts on Gibbs and Larson, since Konen was no longer a consideration. They all agreed that all three candidates would have been good fits. While there were many characteristics that each board member appreciated about Gibbs and Larson, Larson’s years of experience and background in special education made him rise to the top.
The public is invited to join the discussion regarding the superintendent search on Wednesday.
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