Flathead principal takes job at FVCC

This is the final year Principal Peter Fusaro will greet students and staff with his motto — “every day is a great day at Flathead High School” — as he embarks on a new career at Flathead Valley Community College.

The phrase has set the tone for the past 11 years Fusaro has served as principal, capping off a total of 20 years working at the school.

Fusaro’s contract ends June 30. His new position at the community college will be as director of the Trades and Industrial Arts Department. One of his responsibilities will be strengthening relationships between the college, area school districts and local industries, according to Flathead Community College Director of Educational Services Chris Clouse.

The new position harkens back to Fusaro’s early career as a technology education and industrial arts teacher. Fusaro said it was an opportunity to take his career in education in a new direction.

“I saw an opportunity that I felt fit with all my training and passions,” Fusaro said.

Fusaro said he felt the timing was right for a new principal to step in and be part of the construction process, as Flathead High School undergoes an approximately $19.3 million renovation.

“I think things are moving in the right direction and Flathead High School is in a pretty good place,” Fusaro said. “Yet, at the same time I’m going to miss the students here at Flathead High School. I absolutely love the kids and great staff.”

Fusaro said he may get credit for “lighting the ring,” but it’s the staff that carries the torch.

Fusaro joined Flathead in 1997 as an assistant principal. He learned to lead as his mentor Gene Boyle had, by “taking care of students and taking care of staff.” Boyle was the activities director at the time Fusaro was hired.

“Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen,” Fusaro said.

Fusaro became principal in July 2006, succeeding Callie Langohr, who had been appointed principal of the then newly built Glacier High School, which opened its doors in 2007.

“Pete and I started together as assistant principals at Flathead High School,” Langohr said. “He has been an inspiration. He has a contagious enthusiasm and is very passionate about advocating for students and staff.”

Flathead Assistant Principal Michele Paine echoed a similar sentiment.

“He has always promoted relationships and taking care of people,” Paine said. “One thing he does well is recognition. He delivers a personal birthday greeting to all staff members — not an easy feat considering we have a staff of around 130 people. His ‘Hog Wild’ and ‘Flathead Way’ awards emphasize the positive and help build school culture.”

Activities Director and Assistant Principal Bryce Wilson said Fusaro makes Flathead an enjoyable place to work and learn.

“He makes everyone feel like they belong,” Wilson said. “He’s left Flathead a better place by being here.”

During his tenure, Fusaro helped navigate students, staff and the community through uncharted territory, such as when the school split and supporting efforts for Flathead to become Montana’s first International Baccalaureate World School — all while maintaining school pride steeped in tradition.

“He’s a real staunch supporter of Flathead’s rich traditions. When we made the split into two high schools, he was really careful that those traditions didn’t get lost,” Langohr said naming off some examples. “It’s the tradition of having rigorous academic standards. The tradition of having students participate and be very competitive in activities. We’re going to miss him, but thank goodness he’s right across the street.”

Langohr and Paine noted that Fusaro has been a big supporter of vocational education and passionate about coming up with alternative education programming for at-risk students resulting in a decreased drop-out rate.

Part of the legacy he leaves includes the He-Man Book Club, Paine noted. Through the club, high school boys meet monthly to discuss books and serve as role models by reading to elementary students. The club was inspired by William Brozo’s book “To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader: Engaging Teen and Preteen Boys in Active Literacy.”

In 2015, the Montana AA Principals Association named Fusaro Principal of the Year. He has also served as a past president of the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors.

The principal position has been posted and the district will begin screening applicants May 17. Interviews with prospective candidates and a meet-and-greet with the community will take place on May 25. The interview team will consist of administrators, parents and school board trustees said Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau.

“Pete was passionate about FHS. He worked diligently to improve the school environment and opportunities for kids. He certainly will be missed,” Flatau said. “The job of a high school principal at today’s large high schools is one of the most demanding jobs and one of the most rewarding jobs.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.