New superintendent of Bigfork Schools starts July 1

The Bigfork School Board voted unanimously during their June 21 meeting to hire Tom Stack, of Clinton, as the new superintendent of schools, beginning July 1. For the past nine years, Stack served as the superintendent of the Clinton Elementary School District and prior to that, was a principal in Ronan and Power. He holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and a master’s in educational leadership, both from the University of Montana.

Stack will replace outgoing superintendent Matt Jensen, who left the district after 17 years to accept a district assistant superintendent job with Kalispell Public Schools. For the last seven years Jensen served as the school’s superintendent. During his career, the high school underwent a major renovation, saw upgrades in technology and most recently, the passage of a levy that increased salaries and benefits for educators and staff.

"The staff are like family to me,” Jensen told the Daily Inter Lake in late May. “I will take so many great memories and friendships with me, and I'm really proud of the work we've done here in Bigfork for the last 17 years."

Stack was among three candidates considered for the position including West Valley Elementary School District Superintendent Cal Ketchum and Capital High School Principal Brett Zano, of Helena. Interviews were conducted Friday, June 11.

Stack was offered a two-year contract with an annual salary of $110,000 in addition to vacation and sick leave benefits.