Board trims superintendent candidates

Libby School Board members have narrowed the candidates to replace Libby schools Superintendent K.W. Maki to five.

From the list of five, the board hopes to select the superintendent.

“It’s my feeling from this list the board will pick the superintendent,” Board President Ellen Johnston said Monday. “We were impressed with the quality of the applicants and are very excited about the chance to look at the five finalists more closely during the interviews. The board carefully reviewed all of the applications and selected a group of finalists with a variety of strengths that we think could serve us well in Libby.”

The board narrowed the field on Friday during a meeting presided by Johnston.

“We feel good about the discussions we had as a board about what we want to see in our new superintendent. The comments we received from the staff and the public to the online survey really helped,” Johnston said.

The five finalists include Craig Barringer, Conrad superintendent; Scott Beagle, Libby principal; Larry Markuson, Augusta superintendent; Judith McKay, Frenchtown principal; and Thom Peck, Charlo superintendent.

Johnston invited the public, students and staff to meet all of the finalists at a public reception at the high school library/cafeteria to be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. Candidate interviews will be Thursday, Feb. 6, and Friday, Feb. 7, at the Little Theatre and are open to the public.

Here’s a look at the finalists:

Craig Barringer currently serves as superintendent of the Conrad Public Schools in Conrad. He formerly served as elementary and middle school principal in Conrad. He was a teacher in Cut Bank (grades 6-9) and in Fort Benton (grade 3). He has coached swimming, wrestling, and football.  He earned his bachelor degree in elementary education from Western Montana College.  He holds a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana – Missoula, where he also earned his superintendent’s endorsement.  

Scott Beagle currently serves as the assistant principal at Libby Elementary School (K-6). He also served as the principal of Asa Wood Elementary School (K-3) in Libby. He previously was a middle school teacher in Libby. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman. He earned his bachelor degree in mathematics/history, secondary education from the University of Montana-Western. His masters in educational leadership was earned at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.

Larry Markuson currently serves at the superintendent/principal in Augusta. He previously was the superintendent and grades 7-12 principal in Hot Springs. He has served as a 7-12 math teacher, coach and athletic director for the Whitewater (Montana) Public Schools.  He was a K-12 P.E./health and high school math teacher in Jordan, Montana.  He earned his bachelor degree in math and physical education and his masters in education leadership from Montana State University – Bozeman.

Judith McKay currently serves as principal (grades 5-6) and director of academics (K-12) for the Frenchtown, School District. She previously served as a teacher and math coach (K-12) for the Libby School District.  She has served as a teacher in the Butte School District and with the Lockwood School District. She served as a math instructor with Montana State University – Billings.  She earned her bachelor degree in mathematics/earth science and her masters in education from Montana State University – Billings.  She completed technology coursework at Flathead Valley Community College.  Her K-12 administration licensure and superintendent licensure has been with the University of Montana – Missoula. 

Thom Peck currently serves as the superintendent and athletic director for the Charlo School District. He previously served as the grades 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 degree in biology and chemistry from Carroll College.  His masters degree in education administration is from Seattle Pacific University.  He earned his superintendents endorsement from the University of Montana – Missoula.