Longtime middle school leader retiring

After 16 years in Kalispell schools and 40 years in education, Kalispell Middle School Principal Barry Grace is retiring.

“I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow educators and working with students,” Grace said.

After his contract ends June 30, he may have more time to enjoy hobbies such as fishing, biking, hiking and might return to coaching sports.

With the last day of school June 5, Grace has been quite busy to think much about retirement.

“Gosh, who knows,” Grace said about his retirement plans. “I’ll take it one day at a time.”

He knows he will be able to spend more time with his grandchildren. With one grandchild an Elrod Elementary third-grader, one who will soon enroll in kindergarten and another grandchild on the way, he likely will stay connected to the schools.

“Retirement will be a different way to enjoy life,” Grace said.

Grace joined the Kalispell school district in 1995 as assistant principal and became principal in 2000. From 2005 through 2007, he led the school through its transformation from a junior high to a middle school.

Grace began his career in education in 1971 as a language arts teacher at Columbia Falls Junior High and later taught at the Columbia Falls High School.

He coached at Columbia Falls and was an assistant coach for Larry Schmautz’s Wildkat team that won the 1983 Class AA state championship in girls basketball.

In 1990, Grace wanted to work with students and staff in a leadership role, so he became assistant principal at Columbia Falls High School.

“In a classroom, you have 25 to 30 students under your direction,” Grace said. “As a principal, you have more one-on-one time to counsel students and improve their lives.”  

During his years as a high school teacher, he also was part-time athletic director and continued in that role during his work as assistant principal.

When asked how education has changed since the 1970s, Grace paused and responded, “Where do I start?”

One major change in education is in delivery, particularly through technology in the classroom.

Grace remembered when he was a teacher and asked administrators to purchase a computer for students to use in his classroom. His request was denied because, at the time, a computer was viewed by some as just a “glorified typewriter.”

Decades later, it is difficult to find a classroom without a computer, which is as integral a tool as pencil or paper.

What hasn’t changed in education is the quest for knowledge.

“It’s been a good time,” Grace said. “I’ve worked with the best people in the world — young people.”

Kalispell Public Schools has posted the job opening at www.sd5.k12.mt.us. School officials hope to select a new principal by July.

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