Flathead High School Principal Peter Fusaro was recently named Class AA Principal of the Year.

Fusaro was recognized by the Montana AA Principals Association. Nominations are made by the association that includes Montana’s 14 AA high school principals.

Completing his 18th year at Flathead — nine years as principal and nine as assistant principal — Fusaro hasn’t lost any of his vim or vigor.

“Every day is a great day at Flathead High School” is Fusaro’s mantra and greeting to staffers and students.

A great day at Flathead is seeing all students succeed. The dropout rate at Flathead has decreased to around 2.5 percent during Fusaro’s tenure.

“My passion lies with our at-risk programs and at-risk students,” Fusaro said.

Watching the International Baccalaureate Programme continue to flourish after a decade is something Fusaro has been glad to be part of.

“Now, we’re also doing the Project Lead The Way Biomedical Science program and bringing on computer software and engineering,” he said.

Fusaro credits the school’s successes and achievements to a staff that is up for exploring new territory when expanding curriculum options for students.

“The dedicated and committed staff we have are willing to take risks in working with kids,” Fusaro said. “I’ve always said, ‘Hey, surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.’”

Fusaro describes his leadership philosophy as student-centered.

“That’s who are customers are. Every decision is made with a student in mind,” Fusaro said. “We think about that not just academically, but when they leave Flathead High School, are they prepared?”

Glacier High School Principal Callie Langohr described her lively colleague.

“Peter Fusaro has an incredible amount of energy and a contagious spirit. He volunteers his service to a wide variety of local and state organizations that support students,” Langohr said.

Before Langohr became principal of Glacier, she was principal of Flathead and worked with Fusaro.

“His leadership and ‘can-do attitude’ has positively impacted the learning and teaching environment at Flathead High School and the community,” Langohr said.

Fusaro deflected some of the praise: “I guess the way I see it. I’m not the AA Principal of the Year, I think we’re the AA school of the year. It’s not about me. It’s about our school, our staff and our students.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.