School board selects Asa Wood principal
The Libby School Board last week selected a local with more than a decade of teaching experience to become Asa Wood Elementary’s principal this fall.
In a 4-2 vote during a special meeting Tuesday, the board chose Scott Beagle to replace principal Marjorie O’Brien-Johnson, who submitted a letter of resignation in February. Gela Koehler, Paula Darko-Hensler, Tony Rebo and Jerry Frament voted aye, while Bruce Sickler and Lee Disney voted nay. Tracy Comeau was not present.
Some board members may have experienced déjà vu during interviews, as three of the five applicants had interviewed for the position two years ago. Beagle, Lou Ann Gay and Judy McKay – all with teaching experience in Libby School District – made it to the interview process last week and in 2007, but the board saw something about Beagle that stood out.
“We have a certain clientele at that building that needs unity,” Frament said, “and we felt he could bring that unity to the building, and enhance the opportunity for kindergarten through third-grade children to learn.”
Beagle is a third-generation Libby resident and has taught junior high math locally for 11 years. His resume was accompanied by letters of recommendation from Asa Wood teachers.
“Because I’ve worked with all those teachers, I am coming in with that trust and loyalty,” Beagle said. “I bring the knowledge of the community and the people and knowing what’s been going on around here.”
Beagle earned his master’s degree in educational administration, kindergarten through 12th grade, at Gonzaga University a few years back. Though he has never been a school administrator, he points to his leadership roles as former president of Libby Education Association – the local teachers’ union – and as organizer of several junior high school committees.
The board knows what it’s getting with Beagle, and that’s a strength, according to Kirby Maki, Libby superintendent of schools.
“I think as far as the particular position is concerned, we could look at administrative experience or we can look at the individual and their ability to get the job done,” Maki said. “The board felt that Scott had the potential and they’re eager to give him a try.”
Beagle believes that his role as a longtime Libby resident will aid him in his efforts to improve the school’s community relationship. He pointed to his 10 years with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department and to his two sons who attend, or will eventually attend, Asa Wood.
“I think that ownership in the community is going to be that big piece to try to build a better school and community relationship,” Beagle said. “It’s one of my big goals to try to rebuild that relationship so that we’ve got the community standing 100 percent behind our school and our kids.”
Beagle believes the school’s biggest upcoming issue will be to address Asa Wood’s aging building.
“I think that is going to be in the forefront for the first year probably – to decide whether we’re going to totally remodel this building, or we’re going to build a new one,” Beagle said. “Until I get into it a little more, I can’t make that decision yet.”
Beagle took a one-year leave of absence from the school district to work at Tom Wood Insurance, but is eager to get back in the swing of things.
“I wanted this for a long time,” Beagle said. “It’s been my goal to be an administrator in Libby. I hope I live up to some of these expectations being put on me.”