By Michael Howell
After a lengthy review process involving over twenty applicants and two separate interviews, Stevensville School District Superintendent Kent Kultgen was awarded a job contract, starting this July, as the Superintendent of the Helena School District. Kultgen learned of the offer Thursday evening and on Friday decided to accept it. The Helena School Board offered him a two-year contract at $140,000 a year.
“I’m excited and I’m nervous,” said Kultgen. He said the size of the district did make him nervous but he was excited about taking on the job. He said it was an AA school with 8,500 students, compared to 950 here at Stevensville. The Helena District has 1,100 employees, he said, while Stevensville employees 130.
“It’s very bittersweet,” said Kultgen. “I had to think of all we’ve accomplished here, not just the buildings, but improvements in leadership and morale. It’s hard to think of leaving.”
Kultgen will start his new job on July 2.
“But there is a lot to do between now and then,” said Kultgen. “The end of the year is packed with tasks and I want the new superintendent to be caught up when he starts.”
Kultgen has served as the Stevensville Superintendent for the last five years.
He said he believes that he and Financial Officer Bill Schiele have created a very sound budget. He said that he worked hard to put processes and procedures in place to see that the resources get to the kids.
Asked if he was familiar with Helena he said that the case study for his doctoral dissertation was the Helena School District.
“I’ve got a good feeling for what that board is going to expect of me.” said Kultgen. “I will take what this board and this job have taught me and move on.”
Kultgen said that he was not going to sell his home in Stevensville.
“The Bitterroot Valley is a nice place to retire to,” he said.
“It’s sad to go, but I believe it will be a good move. It’s a good time to go when things are going well.”