Colstrip Public Schools
Colstrip, Montana
Superintendent of Schools
Position To begin July 1, 2010
Closing Date: March 26, 2010

Colstrip Public Schools Board of Trustees seeks a knowledgeable, experienced and hands-on administrator to assume the vital leadership role of superintendent for the school district and its students.  Candidates should possess a clear vision, a collaborative leadership style and demonstrated success in achieving desired outcomes.  Compensation includes a salary of $90,000-$105,000, commensurate with qualifications, plus a competitive benefits package.  For additional information about the Colstrip School District or community, please visit us at: http://colstrip.schoolwires.net/colstrip/site/default.asp.  To request an application packet, please contact:

Lisa Gowen at lgowen@mtsba.org
MTSBA Superintendent Search - Colstrip
863 Great Northern Blvd #301
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-2180 
(406) 442-2194 (fax)

Additional Information

The school district is nestled in eastern Montana approximately 120 miles southeast of Billings. During the early years, Colstrip was a quiet little agriculture community. For many years, Colstrip Public Schools was a one building school (currently the Schoolhouse History & Art Center). Coal mining and the construction of the coal generation plants changed the make-up of the community as well as the school. As the community population swelled to five digits in the late 70's and '80's, the schools experienced an influx of 1,400+ students. To accommodate the increase in student numbers; Colstrip built two elementary schools and a new high school.

The 1990's was a decade of declining community populations across eastern Montana. As the community of Colstrip wrestled with declining numbers, the school district also had to deal with loss in student numbers. Currently, the district has approximately 700 students Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The declining enrollment forced the closure of Isabel Bills Elementary in the spring of 2002. However, in the fall of that same year, the facility reopened as a community learning center. Isabel Bills Community Learning Center (IBCLC) has quickly becoming a focal point in which the community and school access the facility for businesses and activities.

Colstrip Public Schools is an educational leader in Montana. Progressive programs are implemented at all levels to stimulate student learning.  Class sizes are very manageable as the district's emphasis is on low teacher to student ratios. Programs offered to the students include P.E., music, band (fifth grade), library, guidance classes, gifted and talented, and computer applications. Frank Brattin Middle School offers many of the same programs as the elementary however classes are departmentalized. Students are scheduled into a seven period day with the opportunity to take additional electives which include Art, Spanish,
Band/Choir, Family Consumer Science, etc. Students are encouraged to participate in a number of clubs and activities.

Colstrip High School (CHS) has built a tradition of excellence in the classroom as well as in the area of competition. CHS has received ten (10) Academic Excellence Awards in Class "A" and at one time had won the prestigious award eight consecutive years. From the rafters in the gym hang the Academic Excellence Awards as well as many state championship banners. The student participation rate in Colstrip High School is 80+% of the student body. Students departing Colstrip High School have had the opportunity to take the necessary classes in preparation for colleges. The school also offers a very sound vocational educational
program as well as fine arts.