Craig Barringer has every intention of accepting the contract offer extended to him to become the next superintendent of Libby schools.

   “I have no intention of not coming to Libby,” Barringer said Wednesday night after the board meeting. “Yes, it would be a fair assessment to say I would accept the offer. I just feel like I need to talk to my (Conrad) board and let them know what’s happening. As fast as news travels, I feel like I need to let them know.”

   Barringer, who is the superintendent of the Conrad School District, was unanimously approved by the Libby board Wednesday night, and agreed to have Bob Vogel of the Montana School Boards Association write up a contract offer.

   “Craig and I will sit down and negotiate a contract that will have to be approved by the Libby board,” Vogel said Thursday morning. “This could be three or four days or it could take two weeks. Sounds like Craig is on board, so it’s my guess this will probably take a week.”

   Vogel said superintendent contracts are limited to a maximum three-year term, but this initial contract may be less.

   “My guess is it will probably be a two-year contract,” Vogel said.

   The Libby board has stipulated the contact offer to succeed Superintendent K.W. Maki be for $98,000 to $104,000. Maki retires June 30.

   “That’s fine. Whatever,” Barringer said. “In my career, it’s never been about the money.”

   More on this story will be reported in Friday’s edition of The Western News.