Kalispell Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dan Zorn has been selected as the superintendent of Longview School District in Washington.

Zorn has accepted the position pending contact and salary negotiations.

He will complete the school year at Kalispell Public Schools June 30 before assuming responsibilities at Longview School District in July.

Zorn has been assistant superintendent in Kalispell Public Schools for 16 years and in education for a total of 30 years.

“I’ve been blessed and fortunate to have been able to spend 16 years in this school system and working with the people within the system and in the community,” Zorn said.

With his youngest son graduating this year from Flathead High School, Zorn said it was time to make the next step in his career.

“All four of my children have gone through the Kalispell Public School system,” Zorn said. “They are all Flathead High School graduates.”

The Longview district’s similarity to Kalispell in size and student makeup attracted Zorn to the position. He also was impressed when visiting the town of Longview last summer.

In January, Zorn described Longview as a “great fit.”

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of being a superintendent of a large school district. I think I have a lot to offer in terms of improving student achievement levels and graduation rates,” Zorn said. “I think I’m a pretty good match for some of the needs they have and I’m very impressed with the district.”

Kalispell Superintendent Mark Flatau has worked with Zorn since last summer when Flatau succeeded Darlene Schottle as superintendent.

“Our loss is Longview’s gain. He’s done a great job for this school district,” Flatau said. “It’s sad to see him go.”

Flatau said the district is working on a setting a time frame to advertise the assistant superintendent position.

“The good news is it’s early enough that we don’t have to rush this process,” Flatau said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].