Beagle tapped to lead Libby Middle High School
Scott Beagle was named the interim principal at Libby Middle High School last week following the resignation of former Principal Jim Germany, who was accused of assaulting a student in December.
Beagle was given the reins at a Jan. 6 special meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Central School building. Germany, who allegedly assaulted a student during class on Dec. 9, is expected to be arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 13 on a felony charge of assault on a minor.
Beagle is the director of curriculum and special services for the school district. He also helps coach the Libby Loggers boys varsity basketball team and is the first assistant fire chief for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.
Libby Public School Superintendent Ron Goodman said he is very appreciative that Beagle stepped up.
“I am grateful that Mr. Beagle is available to fill the open position at [Libby Middle High School],” Goodman said in an email to The Western News. “I have worked with Mr. Beagle for a lot of years. He is a good administrator and a good man!”
Beagle said Monday he is working in the high school in Germany’s former office.
“It’s a little overwhelming right now, but my wife is supporting me and I know all the staff and 80% to 90% of the students know me so that makes it a little easier,” Beagle told The Western News.
Beagle and Goodman said they aren’t sure if the interim title will be removed at some point.
“We both want to see how things go in the next two or three weeks before we make any other plans,” Beagle said.
He said he will continue to work in special services, but there are a few duties he can put on the back burner for the time being.
One thing that can’t be put to the side is a grant application administrators are working on that could net the school $400,000 to $500,000 for literacy programs. It is part of the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. Montana received $50 million over the next five years. The money will be distributed from the state Office of Public Instruction.
Goodman said he’s spoken to former Libby Middle High School Principal Ruth Vanworth-Rogers about helping out.
“She’s willing to do whatever needs to be done, so we’re very fortunate,” Goodman said.
Beagle graduated Libby High School in 1989 before getting his bachelor’s degree at Western Montana College, now known as the University of Montana Western, in Dillon. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.
Beagle has taught at Libby and served as the principal of the Libby Elementary School.
According to school board meeting minutes, Germany, a long-time educator with Libby Public Schools, was hired as the new principal in April 2022 after VanWorth-Rogers announced her retirement. Germany served as vice principal for many years.