Randy Cline, a retired superintendent of Frenchtown School District, will serve in Kalispell Public Schools’ top position for the 2023-24 school year.

The unanimous decision came down at a Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees meeting on Monday. District Assistant Superintendent Matt Jensen and Capital High School Principal Brett Zanto also had applied for the position.

“We had a long discussion about it and felt we couldn’t go wrong with any of the candidates,” said board Chair Sue Corrigan.

“What stuck out for us with Randy was the fact that he had the superintendent experience. He was superintendent of Frenchtown School District for 14 years and that’s a long time for a superintendent to stay on the job,” she added. “Another good thing for us is he also retired to the Flathead Valley, so he’s familiar with its growth. He knows our school district … . He knows we’re moving forward with personalized learning and is going to step right in and not change that focus. He also knows we have a strategic plan.”

Cline’s career in education spans 41 years. In addition to 14 years as superintendent of Frenchtown School District, a Class A district, he was superintendent of Whitehall School District, a Class B district, for four years.

“When this opportunity presented itself I was excited to do it and help out the district in their time of transition,” Cline said.

Cline moved to Kalispell last summer. With relatives who attended and currently attend Kalispell Public Schools, and another family member who works for the district, Cline is familiar with the school system.

“I know Kalispell Public Schools has a good reputation and a good staff and I felt my skill set is suited to this position,” Cline said.

The one-year term also drew him to apply for the position. Although temporary, Cline said he doesn't see himself as a placeholder between superintendents and “wants to be active in all facets of the school district.”

“What I want to do is keep the district moving forward for the next year — keep working on the mission and vision of the district and the strategic plan. I also want to be able to plan for the future when a new superintendent comes in,” he said.

Outgoing Superintendent Micah Hill has taken the Missoula County Public Schools superintendent position. His last day is June 30, which marks the end of his third year leading Kalispell Public Schools.

“We’re fortunate [Cline’s] already here and will be able to spend time with Micah before Micah leaves,” Corrigan said. “So the transition should go smoothly.”

Trustees plan to reopen the superintendent position to applicants in the fall or winter, hoping to attract more candidates and give themselves additional time to select a successor. In April, the board changed directions in its search for Hill’s replacement. They opted to seek an interim after declining to interview any of the five applicants who responded to its initial posting of the position, which ran March 22 through April 11.

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