MULLAN – Longtime teacher and principal Jacki Almquist was recently promoted to superintendent of the Mullan School District. 

Almquist replaces Les Wells, who served in the role for nine years. The appointment marks another chapter in a lifelong connection between Almquist and the district she has called home for decades. 

While many can claim ties to their community, Almquist’s roots in the Mullan School District and community are exceptionally deep. She graduated from Mullan in 1979. Her father graduated from the district in 1939 and her aunt in 1942. Her mother taught school in the district for more than 30 years. Her cousin, Juli Zook, graduated in 1969, and her husband, former Wallace High School principal Pudge Almquist, graduated in 1968. 

“As you can see, I'm definitely a Mullan girl,” Almquist said. “I love the traditions they’ve upheld, along with their eye on the future. I’m constantly reminded of memories or ‘ghosts’ from the past as I wander the hallways and classrooms. It’s a very special school and community.” 

Almquist brings more than two decades of experience in education to her new position across Idaho, Washington, and Montana. She has spent 23 years working in the field, including the last 10 in Mullan’s rural school district. During that time, she has served students in both the classroom and administrative offices, giving her a unique perspective on the district’s needs and opportunities. 

In 2021, Almquist was selected to replace Don Kotschevar as principal of Mullan Jr./Sr. High School. At the time, she said her goal was to continue many of the programs and initiatives already in place while maintaining the district’s focus on student success. 

“We have high academic and behavioral expectations for our students reinforced by educational and extra-curricular activities such as drama, music and athletics available to all our students,” she said previously. “Encouraging more students to take advantage of post-secondary education/training opportunities is always a priority.” 

Now, as superintendent, Almquist hopes to build on those priorities while helping create new opportunities for students throughout the district. 

The superintendent position in Mullan also includes serving as principal at John Mullan Elementary School, a role that adds another layer of responsibility. The added duties are familiar territory for Almquist, who previously balanced administrative responsibilities while continuing to teach English. 

Her move across the playground opened the principal position at Mullan Jr./Sr. High School, which longtime Mullan teacher and coach Paul Elston has filled. 

Looking ahead, Almquist said she is excited about the district's future and the approximately 100 students it serves. 

“My plans are to continue to provide excellence in education for all our students,” she said. “I'm grateful to be in Mullan with such great students, dedicated staff and amazing community support. I can't imagine a better place to be.” 

Almquist will earn just over $102,000 annually as superintendent. She brings an extensive academic and professional background to the position, including a doctorate in education from the University of Montana, an MBA from Notre Dame, bachelor's degrees in finance (University of Idaho) and business education (Central Washington University), and certification as a public accountant. The salary is in line with the $95,000 to $115,000 range common among similarly sized Idaho school districts.