West Valley selects Gross for superintendent

West Valley School District on Thursday selected Richard Gross for its superintendent position. 

Gross has been serving as interim superintendent this school year. 

The school board voted unanimously to appoint Gross to the position after a hiring committee met Feb. 6 to interview two applicants.

The board's decision to hire Gross "reflects Richard's outstanding leadership, passion for education and commitment to our district, staff and students," the district posted to its website Thursday.

Gross previously held the West Valley Elementary principal position since August 2017. Prior to that, he was a teacher and administrative intern at Hedges Elementary School in Kalispell from August 2011 through June 2017.

Gross holds a Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Bachelor of Science in business management with a minor in administrative systems, all from the University of Montana.

The West Valley superintendent position became available in April 2023 after the school board opted against renewing former Superintendent Cindy Risher's contract.