Like so many of his fellow school superintendents, Gerald Chouinard’s to-do list is topped by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 situation.

That daunting task was clear from day one.

“Day one” was just last week when Chouinard assumed the title of Hot Springs Schools Superintendent. But with a wealth of experience he is ready to roll.

A native of Butte and a graduate of, among other institutions of higher learning, Montana State University, Chouinard is now a resident of the Hot Springs area and has settled into his office.

“COVID-19 and how we deal with it is the most obvious and immediate challenge for this district and so many others,” he said. “What complicates the whole situation is that the virus is such a fluid situation. We can and are planning for the days ahead, but plans can change and we have to be ready. There’s no doubt I would like to see school back in session.”

Chouinard replaces Mike Perry who left to assume an administrative position with the Arlee School District.

A self-described avid fly fisherman, Chouinard comes to Hot Springs from Lame Deer where he worked for the school district from 2014 until bringing his skills and experience to Hot Springs.

“I was encouraged to begin looking for superintendent jobs and when I saw Hot Springs and first came through here it was an easy decision,” he said. “I was really hoping to find something on the western side of Montana.”

He earned his Superintendent License from graduate studies through MSU. Along the way he taught and served as principal for several schools in Idaho, including Idaho Falls and Boise. Leaving the Boise traffic behind has been one of the initial blessings, he said.

“It is for one thing, really nice to not be in bumper to bumper traffic,” Chouinard said. “This (Hot Springs area) really is an amazingly beautiful place and the people I have met are really nice.”

As to dealing with Co-vid, Chouinard confirmed an August school opening is the preferred outcome to the challenge.

“This has all been hard to predict,” he said. “But we are planning on an August opening with CDC and state health guidelines as they emerge. I will be working with the Board and the community, and safety of the students will be number one.”

Chouinard said he is a big advocate of technology and considers staying on top in that area is also a high priority item.

“There are challenges and opportunities in so many ways involving technology access,” he said. “Not upgrading in this day and age is not acceptable.”

He said he would also like to include adult residents in technology training programs.

“Technology is moving forward exponentially,” he said. “There is a real need for student and adult education to keep pace.”

Chouinard is quick to acknowledge the financial challenges future changes may bring but is confident in the “pioneering spirit” present in communities like Hot Springs that will be part of keeping up.

His initial impression of the school system he is now leading is that staffing and academics, while always a priority and challenge, seem to be in good shape in Hot Springs.

“I’ve heard really good things about the staff and the community support for schools here,” he said. “To make this work we will all need to be on the same page and I already believe we have that here. I’m super excited to be here.”