Helena Flats School Principal Allison Hawes will be the new principal of Ruder Elementary School in Columbia Falls.

The decision to select Hawes was unanimous at a Columbia Falls School District board meeting Monday. She was one of four finalists who interviewed for the position, including Tina Blair, who recently resigned as principal at West Valley School in Kalispell; Josh Gibbs, superintendent/principal of Seeley Lake Elementary, in Seeley Lake; and Henry Mack, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Dickinson, North Dakota.

The district received 16 applications for the position, which opened Dec. 21, 2023, and closed Jan. 18, according to Superintendent Cory Dziowgo.

Columbia Falls School District Chairwoman Jill Rocksund said an interview team relayed to the board many positive qualities about Hawes, including previous experience as a counselor. Hawes, who will finish up the year at Helena Flats, is in her second year as principal of the school. Before that, she was a counselor for a year. She also previously worked as a counselor and a kindergarten teacher at Kalispell Public Schools.

“She is a young administrator with energy and enthusiasm. She’ll fit in well with the staff at Ruder,” Rocksund said. “We look forward to having her join our team.”

Hawes succeeds Brenda Krueger who is retiring at the end of the school year with 15 years leading Ruder and five years as principal of Canyon Elementary in Hungry Horse.

“She has seen a lot of projects through, including the complete remodeling of Ruder, which was a big achievement, as well as implementing numerous interventions and programs and being a great advocate for kids throughout the years,” Rocksund said. “We wish her well.” 

Once she learned about the job opening, Hawes said it was an opportunity she shouldn’t pass up and is looking forward to joining the staff at Ruder Elementary.

“I love the direction Columbia Falls School District is going,” Hawes said. “They have a new superintendent and such an involved team there.”

Hawes said it was an intensive and informative interviewing process. During the process, she met many staff, board and community members. She was impressed with the level of support the district provides staff and students.

“The district seems super supportive and very student-centered with a strong academic program,” she said, expressing her gratitude for being selected for the position.

Hawes holds a Master of Education School Counseling and a Master of Science Adult Continuing Education: Counseling and Psychology, both from the University of West Alabama and completed her principal licensure at The University of Montana. 

HELENA FLATS School anticipates posting the opening this week on the Office of Public Instruction website Superintendent Andy Maheras said.

Helena Flats also accepted special education teacher Tracey Stahlberg’s resignation effective June 10. Stahlberg is planning to move to Bozeman.

Maheras said he is hopeful the principal position will be filled in three to four weeks, however, he noted there is a shortage of administrators in Montana with candidates to fill special education positions even more challenging.

Helena Flats School Board Chairwoman Jessica Dyer said Maheras will take on principal duties until the position is filled if it remains open when Hawes’ contract ends June 30. This may pose challenges since Maheras continues to work remotely, pending the outcome of two charges of misdemeanor assault related to an alleged altercation with a student.

In December 2023, Maheras pleaded not guilty to both charges. An omnibus hearing was rescheduled to April 16 at Flathead County Justice Court.

Maheras or trustees haven’t addressed the pending criminal case or assault allegations, although parents have shared criticisms and concerns about their children’s safety.

According to court documents filed Nov. 20 in Flathead County Justice Court, the alleged assault took place Aug. 31 after Maheras attempted to discipline a 12-year-old boy who was kissing a 13-year-old girl in the hallway.

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