Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Micah Hill was selected by his peers as Superintendent of the Year for the Northwest region.

The distinction was awarded by the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents, which encompasses Flathead, Lincoln, Lake and Sanders counties. He was selected for the distinction based on four criteria — leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

“It’s humbling to be recognized and appreciated like that,” Hill said. “I feel like any one of us could have been selected for the honor.”

Hill will wrap up his first year leading Kalispell Public Schools in July.

He stepped into the position during an unprecedented time where schools were adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying open while schools in many states throughout the nation remained closed, was a feat not without its challenges and tough decisions, according to Hill. He said it was a collective effort among staff to return and teach after the school closures last spring and throughout the year many discussions were held among area district superintendents to find out what other schools were doing or experiencing as the pandemic evolved.

“It was a team effort for all of us. None of us have ever had to navigate a pandemic and develop opening plans and phases,” Hill said. “I can’t say I did it myself.”

“Our worlds were turned upside down from an operational standpoint,” he said, adding that the pandemic prompted an all-hands-on-deck approach across various departments.

The community also played a part in supporting schools during this time, he said.

“I’m proud of the community for stepping up,” Hill added. “We never had to close a school down due to a staffing shortage and people answered the call when we had a shortage of subs.”

Despite a school year overshadowed by the pandemic, Hill said there are accomplishments to be proud of such as the creation of the Remote Education Center for students who couldn’t learn off campus, or for those that chose to do so. And things have edged in the direction of normality since the start of the school year. COVID cases and quarantines have declined significantly and prom was held at Flathead and Glacier high schools Hill said, giving some examples.

“I see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, noting he is looking forward to more normalcy next school year. “Hopefully no masks, hopefully, people are getting vaccinated, we want to get back to what we’re best at and not making health decisions.”

Hill has worked in Kalispell Public Schools since 2001, starting out as a Flathead High School English teacher. He went on to become an assistant principal and principal of Glacier High School before taking on the superintendent position. Hill has worked in education since the late ’90s with experience at Colstrip and Bigfork high schools.

A graduate of Polson High School, Hill received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Montana State University and earned a Master in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2003.

As a regional superintendent of the year, Hill will be considered for the state superintendent of the year award.

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