ST. IGNATIUS—The St. Ignatius school district’s search for a new principal ended with a familiar face.

Tammy Demien was employed as principal of St. Ignatius Elementary School for two years before she was recruited to return to her hometown, St. Regis, to serve as principal in 2010.

“She spent some time in her hometown and she accomplished a lot while she was there. We’re very glad to have her back,” commented St. Ignatius superintendent, Bob Lewandowski.

The St. Ignatius school district received over 20 applicants for this particular position. All of them were put through a screening process that included not only the school board, but representatives from the teachers union, the elementary school staff, the secretarial staff, the technological staff, and the other principals in the district. Demien was the ultimate selection  recommended to the school board.

“After our former principal resigned late, I think it was refreshing to find a candidate of her quality who knows the district,” said Lewandowski.

According to Lewandowski, Demien’s experience in St. Ignatius will work in her favor for the upcoming year.

“She already has strong, established relationships in the community and with the teachers. She is also already familiar with the district and school goals. I think she will excel at helping the students meet their academic and core subject requirements”

Demien has also expressed her excitement for the upcoming school year, and reestablishing relationships with the staff, students and community.

“The St. Ignatius staff is constantly making positive impacts on the students and families of Mission. I am motivated to work with them as a team, and thrilled to work with the school and community to carry on the efforts to improve student achievement,” said Demien.

According to Superintendent Lewindowski, Demien has already demonstrated this enthusiasm.

“I wasn’t here when she was here three years ago,” said Lewindowski. “So she has new leadership to work with, but she’s already been in to work toward our goals for the future.”

Lewindowski went on to say that he believes Demien will exceed the goals already in place. Her past certainly demonstrates that ability; while she was teaching in Arizona, Demien received the Teacher of the Year award for her work with middle school students.

Demien is happy to settle in St. Ignatius. Her career has spanned for 31 years. She received her B.A. in elementary education from the University of Montana in 1982 and then taught second grade for seven years in St. Regis. Following that time, she and her husband moved to Arizona for 19 years where she taught and received her Masters in education leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. She returned to Montana in 2008 has since served as principal in both St. Ignatius and St. Regis.

“My husband and I are very glad to be back in St. Ignatius. I was raised in western Montana and my husband—who grew up on a farm—loves the agricultural aspects that Mission has to offer. We are honored to be part of the St. Ignatius community,” said Demien.

School for St. Ignatius students will begin session on Aug. 28. Until then, Demien will prepare for her new position by attending meetings within the school system as well as a few out of town in-service meetings for the district.