Amanda Cyr has officially stepped into her new role as principal and superintendent of Alberton School, bringing with her decades of experience, a deep-rooted passion for children, and a commitment to building a supportive and consistent school culture.

Cyr, formerly Amanda Cheff, has known since her third-grade class at Bonner School that she was destined to be a teacher. 

“My passion is kids; taking care of them in the safest and most loving environment possible,” she says.

Raised in a family well-known in the agriculture and cattle industry in Potomac and Ronan, Cyr's Montana roots run deep. Her husband’s family has been ranching in the Frenchtown-Huson area for five generations. The couple now resides there, surrounded by their shared heritage of hard work and honesty.

After earning her elementary education degree from the University of Montana, Cyr taught in Nevada for six years before returning home to Montana. She spent a year commuting from Missoula to teach in St. Regis, then began a 21-year tenure with Clinton School District. There, she taught fifth grade for six years, middle school for another six, served five years as principal, and four years as superintendent. 

“I had planned on retiring at Clinton,” Cyr admitted. “I loved that community and those kids. I coached girls’ and boys’ basketball and volleyball for 15 years there building connections with kids both in the classroom and on the court.”   

However, the opportunity in Alberton sparked a desire for change, and the shorter commute didn’t hurt. 

"After nine years in admin there, I really was looking for a new challenge. I feel it’s super important that we continue to grow as educators and professionals."

Cyr is already adjusting to life at Alberton, including its unique four-day school week. 

"These guys are here four days a week, so I’m the principal 90% of the time, trying to be in classrooms, building relationships with students, engaging with teachers, attending meetings, and supporting them,” she said. 

Fridays, with the school largely empty, are reserved for “Grants, budgets, and politics, which make up the lion’s share of school superintendent duties.”

With several leadership changes in recent years, Cyr acknowledges that establishing consistency is a top priority. 

“There are a lot of systems that need to be put into place to settle things down and support the staff,” she said. “This first year will be about building a foundation that makes Alberton School a great place for everybody.”

Cyr's leadership philosophy is simple.

“I do what’s best for kids.” That principle guides every decision she makes, whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community.

While she admits her move into administration at Clinton meant less direct time with students, Cyr found a broader purpose. 

“I realized I could help kids in a different way which was by helping teachers grow, by shaping school culture, and by supporting systems that lift everyone.”

Her vision for Alberton School includes creating a tight-knit, supportive environment where every student is seen and valued. 

“This kid needs me—or I need to find a mentor for this student. It might be the custodian or someone in the kitchen. But we’re a family with responsibilities, and it excites me to meet residents and parents who want this, too.”

With strong community ties, proven leadership, and a heart for education, Amanda Cyr is ready to lead Alberton School into its next chapter.

    Alberton Homecoming had staff and students wearing the class colors if they so opted. Ms. Stewart’s 6th grade class were selected to wear purple and since not that many students have purple clothing, purple beads were adorned last Tuesday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Green was the Alberton School Homecoming color for Mrs. Manson’s 2nd grade class at last week. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Assistant Coach/K-12 PE Teacher Brad ODell getting his head shaved by the football team after their victory against Heart Butte 58-7.  This is the first win for the Panther program after disbanding the cooperative they had with Superior School District.   Quarterback Devin Hill is seen shaving ODell's head after they made a bet - with a win the coach's head was shaved, and a loss Devin would have had his head shaved.   Pictured in the background Michael Seidel, Barrett ODell, Logan Henry (seated), Riley Hower, David Scheer, Baylar Baughman, and Even Fehlings. Not pictured Tam Dao, Josiah Morton, Shea Fredette, and Tater Herman. Panther Spirit at its finest! (Photo by Amanda Cyr)