Kalispell Public Schools has chosen Glacier High School Principal Micah Hill to be the next superindendent of schools.

The Board of Trustees approved the hire on Wednesday in a public meeting. Hill will assume the role July 1, replacing retiring Superintendent Mark Flatau.

“I am truly humbled and grateful to be selected as the next superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools,” Hill said in a prepared statement. “My experiences within the district for the past 19 years have given me incredible opportunities to grow and lead, preparing me for this pivotal role. I have been shaped by the values and vision that run deep within our schools and community.”

Hill said he looks forward to collaborating with the Board of Trustees, staff and community “to continue making meaningful contributions to the students and families in our district.”

A graduate of Polson High School, Hill received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education degree from Montana State University and went on to obtain a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2003. He is currently the principal of Glacier High School.

Hill has also served for 11 years as the assistant principal at Glacier High School, as well as the principal at Linderman School, the dean of students and activities director for Kalispell Junior High, and as an English teacher at Flathead High School.

He currently is seeking his superintendent’s endorsement through the University of Montana.

Hill was one of four finalists for the superintendent position. Other candidates included Matthew Spets of Wisconsin, JT Stroder of Utah and Richard “Rick” Thompson of Washington.

Flatau, who joined the Kalispell district in 2014 and led the school district through a pivotal time of growth during the past several years, will retire at the end of June.

“I think the timing is right,” Flatau said in an earlier Inter Lake interview. He is closing out a 43-year career in education.

“In June 2020 all of our construction projects will be done,” he said, referring to projects in the elementary and high school districts totaling $54 million.