Schottle awarded for contributions to education

Darlene Schottle, chairwoman of the Montana Board of Public Education, has been given the G.V. Erickson Award from the School Administrators of Montana.

The award is given to a School Administrators of Montana member who has made the greatest contribution to the betterment of education in Montana. The award is named after Mr. G.V. Erickson, a school administrator who dedicated his career and life to education and the children of Montana.

Schottle has been an educator for nearly 40 years. Schottle has served as a teacher, principal and central office administrator in various positions, including 11 years as superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools. Under her supervision as superintendent, Glacier High School, Kalispell’s second Class AA high school, was built and opened in 2007. Flathead High School and Kalispell Middle School were also expanded as part of an initiative to reconfigure grade levels in each building. New curriculum offerings, such as Flathead High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, were added under her tenure as superintendent.

She has supported Montana public education in many capacities, including serving as president of the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents. Schottle continues to serve as a coach and mentor for the School Administrators of Montana Leaders Professional Learning Program, a position that has provided the opportunity for numerous new and experienced administrators throughout the state to learn from her expertise according to a press release. She also provides educational support in varying roles to Flathead Valley Community College.

Schottle completed her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia. She earned a master’s degree and a doctorate degree from the University of Nevada.

“Dr. Darlene Schottle is a shining example of a Montana education leader,” said Kirk Miller, executive director of School Administrators of Montana. “Her personal and professional commitment to education excellence in Montana’s public schools is exemplary. Her countless hours of dedication to the entire state’s educational community through her service represents much of what is right with education in our Montana communities. We are proud of Darlene and thank her for her continued commitment to the education of Montana’s children.”