Bigfork looking for new school superintendent

After 3 1/2 years, Cynthia Clary is leaving as superintendent of Bigfork School District because of family medical reasons.

The Bigfork board of trustees accepted Clary’s sudden resignation during a closed session Wednesday, Jan. 15, board chairwoman Maureen Averill said.

Clary’s last day is Jan. 31.

“We wish her well,” Averill said.

Clary, 49, had followed Russ Kinzer, who retired as Bigfork superintendent June 30, 2010.

“Bigfork has been the most wonderful place to work,” Clary said. “It will be sad to go.”

Although her last day is coming up quickly, Clary is satisfied that she will hand over a district in good shape.

“We are in great shape financially,” Clary said. “Enrollment is up and we’ve been able to put some great instructional programs in place.”

Clary said working with such a receptive staff has played a large part in district and student success.

“The staff in Bigfork is amazing,” Clary said.

Clary’s departure means three of the four high school districts in Flathead County will have new superintendents. The Kalispell and Columbia Falls districts are currently in the hiring mode to pick new superintendents to replace Darlene Schottle and Michael Nicosia, respectively.

Before coming to Bigfork, Clary was superintendent at Van Vleck Independent School, a small community near the Texas Gulf coast.

After she was hired in Bigfork, Clary described the position as “a dream come true.” She had visited Bigfork twice a year since she was 12.

Her $100,430 annual salary will end Jan. 31. Clary started at $80,000 and received raises over the years.

The district held a work session and special meeting Tuesday to decide how to proceed with finding Clary’s replacement.

Longtime Bigfork business manager Eda Taylor also is retiring, effective July 1, although she will remain on staff part-time through the end of August.

Taylor started with the school district in 1991. She said she loves her job but is looking forward to retirement.

Taylor recommended that the district hire Assistant Business Manager Lacey Porrovecchio to replace her, but the board decided to advertise the opening instead.  

Taylor currently makes $76,426 per year.

Soptelean is a reporter for the Bigfork Eagle.