Edgerton principal wins state recognition

A Kalispell educator has been recognized for his work by a state education organization.

Darren Schlepp, principal at Edgerton Elementary, was named the 2011 National Distinguished Principal for Montana by the Montana Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals.

“It’s a pretty nice honor,” said Schlepp, who last year was named the Montana Distinguished Principal. Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Dave Wick won that award this year.

Schlepp was nominated for the award by a fellow principal. Once nominated, Schlepp had to submit various application materials, including nomination letters from colleagues and parents.

Those letters praised Schlepp’s ability to work with staff, parents and students.

“One of the most supportive comments I can make regarding Mr. Schlepp is that he is gifted in working with others,” one letter said. “He has earned the respect of his staff, and they are willing to take a giant step for him and with him. Parents find him approachable and his administrative colleagues respect his counsel.”

A second letter-writer agreed.

“It is something to behold to watch him with students, parents and staff; I have never seen anyone so competently and eloquently handle any given situation, and that makes for a dynamic school environment,” the letter said.

Schlepp said his staff and fellow principals deserve as much recognition as he does for the award.

“It’s a nice recognition for me, but also for the staff,” he said. “Being recognized at the national level is complimentary to everyone around me.”

The principal who nominated him for the award praised Schlepp’s curriculum reform and contributions.

The nomination listed a schoolwide Title I program, a Response to Intervention process, an autism inclusion program, participating in the Olweus anti-bullying program and supportive and innovative technology integration among Schlepp’s accomplishments.

He also was praised for collaborating on a standard-based curriculum and for providing grade-level and staff professional development, according to a press release from the principals association.

With the award, Schlepp wins a trip to Washington, D.C., in October, which will allow him to meet National Distinguished Principals from other states. He said it will also give him an opportunity to act as an ambassador for Kalispell Public Schools.

“There hasn’t ever been a National Distinguished Principal coming from Kalispell,” he said. “Edgerton and Kalispell will be highlighted for their contributions to public education. I’ll be a representative for everybody, a representative for the whole district and the school. That’s how I’m looking at it.”

Schlepp, who has been a principal for 11 years, has been at Edgerton School since 2007. He has worked in Kalispell Public Schools since 2001; before moving to Edgerton, he was principal of Russell School.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com.