Canyon principal fined $400 for theft

Matt Fawcett, former principal of Canyon Elementary in Hungry Horse, was cited for shoplifting Feb. 5 at Smith's in Kalispell.

Fawcett, a Kalispell resident, appeared in Kalispell municipal court on Feb. 9 and pleaded guilty to theft of more than $40 of jelly preserves, honey and protein bars. He was fined $400 and given a 30-day suspended jail sentence. He was not ordered to pay restitution.

Fawcett resigned as principal a few days before the March 22 School District 6 board meeting, at which his resignation was approved.

For the remainder of the school year, guidance counselor Brian Crandell will act as lead teacher. Next year, two teachers will fill the lead teacher role, said Superintendent Michael Nicosia.

Fawcett joined the district in 2000 as principal at Canyon Elementary, before moving to Ruder Elementary in Columbia Falls in 2004. In 2009, Fawcett returned to Canyon. In 2008, Fawcett was honored by the International Reading Association, which named him Administrator of the Year. Prior to working in School District 6, Fawcett taught for nine years in Kalispell's District 5.

Fawcett could not be reached for comment.