Having had four school superintendents in three and a half years, Alberton School District has taken a bold move by combining two positions and hired Amanda Cyr beginning July 1.

The new position will be both the Alberton School District No. 2 superintendent, and the principal of the K-12 school. 

Greg Upham is the interim superintendent who has been in the position since Monte Silk left last year and Upham will finish out the school year, which will give Cyr time to continue working at her position as superintendent of the Clinton School District to commence the 2025-26 school year.

Cyr has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in science education from Montana State University.

“Several attributes stood out with Amanda,” explained Alberton School Board Chair Ray Fredette. “One thing is that she’s a local. She lives in Huson which is a big deal for us. Part of what we’ve been lacking in longevity has been the drive (to the school). Anytime you must throw in that drive it’s going to be particular to that person who is going to have to make it. Is this a good drive for me? How long does it remain a good drive?” 

“She’s got some longevity in her positions,” he continued. “She’s a former college athlete. She’s been an athletic director and has history with bonding and building facilities out in Clinton. Another attribute is that she is a home-grown product, so she was a teacher out there and ascended through the ranks to become their principal and then when they had a longtime superintended leave, she was pegged to take the position which she has held the last four years.” 

Fredette said that he and the other board members discovered in their research of the final five candidates that Cyr will be leaving a happy staff and a happy board of directors in Clinton. 

“We are not only impressed with her track record, but excited she applied as we see this as a win/win for everyone,” he said.