Thompson Falls narrows superintendent finalists

by Clark Fork Valley Press
| June 6, 2018 12:56 PM

The Thompson Falls Board of Trustees has selected four finalists for superintendent of Thompson Falls Public Schools.

“We are excited of the four finalists we have selected to interview and look forward to learning more about their experiences and how those experiences can help move our district forward,” said Board Chair Sandra Muster.

The board will be conducting interviews of the finalists on Thursday, June 14 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Board room. The public is welcome to attend and observe the interviews.

The four candidates chosen as finalists include:

- William “Bill” Cain is currently serving as the Director of Student Services for the Hartland Consolidated Schools in Howell, Michigan. He has also served as the elementary school principal, athletic director/assistant high school principal, teacher and coach for the Hartland Consolidated Schools since 1987. Cain received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Montana in Missoula, his J.D. Degree in law from Thomas Cooley law School in Lansing, Michigan, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

- Lynne Peterson currently serves as the superintendent/high school principal for the Savage Public Schools in Savage, Montana. She previously served as an elementary teacher in Rowland Hall School in Salt Lake City for 15 years and as an elementary/middle school teacher in Red Lodge Public Schools in Red Lodge, Montana for 13 years. Peterson received her Bachelor of Science Degree and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Montana State University in Bozeman.

- Leland Stocker is currently the superintendent of Belgrade Public Schools. He has previously served as assistant superintendent for the Havre Public Schools in Havre and superintendent of Gardiner Public Schools in Gardiner. Stocker has also served as a principal in the Delta Greely School District, Delta Junction, Alaska and the Bristol Bay Borough School District in Naknek, Alaska. Stocker received his Master’s in Education Leadership from Montana State University in Bozeman, his Master’s in Business Education from Portland State University, a Bachelor’s in Marketing Education and Psychology from Central Washington University, and an Associate in Arts Degree in Business from Olympic College in Washington.

- Dr. Timothy Tharp has served as the Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the past year. Prior to this time, Tharp has served as superintendent/principal for the Hobson Public Schools, Sunburst Public Schools and the Dutton and Dutton/Brady Public Schools. Tharp also taught math and history for the Scobey Public Schools. Tharp received his Bachelor of Science Degree in math and history as well as his master’s in math education from Montana State University, his master’s in business administration for the University of Montana and his education doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Montana.