The Corvallis Board of Trustees voted unanimously to offer the position of District Superintendent to Jon Konen during a special board meeting held on March 3. Konen has accepted the position and will formally begin service to the School District and community on July 1, 2020.
“We had five quality finalists to select from,” said Board Chair Becky Anderson. “During our formal interviews, each candidate demonstrated a commitment to public education and a willingness to lead our staff and students. But it was Jon’s passion for learning, enthusiasm for leadership, and energy for community engagement that made him stand out and truly impressed the trustees. After hearing from the community, teachers, administrators, and staff during our deliberations, the board knew that he was the right candidate to lead our district. We are excited to bring him to Corvallis.”
Konen currently serves as Principal at Lincoln Elementary School in Great Falls. He previously served as K-12 Principal/Athletic Director at the Power School District in Power and as a teacher at Somers School District in Somers. He holds a Master of Arts from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts from Montana State University.
“I am elated to be chosen to lead this fabulous school district,” said Jon Konen. “There was evidence of a strong school culture when I walked the hallways of all three schools. Every leader I met was supportive, students were extraordinary, and the staff had students engaged and learning everywhere we toured! School culture and engagement are two principles I have prided my career upon and I can’t wait to work and learn with everyone!”
Konen received the 2019 No Kid Hungry National Breakfast Hero Award, the 2018 National Distinguished Principal Award, his school won the 2012 National Blue Ribbon School Award, and as a teacher in 2010 he won the Presidential Award in Math and Science. Along with other administrators, he was a leader in the successful $98 million building bond campaign in Great Falls in 2016. He has been president of both the Montana Association of Elementary and Middle School Principal Association, and the School Administrators of Montana. He currently writes articles for Teacher.org and the Kids Education Yes Organization. He has written three guides for educators on school culture and practice. He has also authored a children’s book entitled, “Benjamin’s Visit to Principal Reads’s Office, Again.”
“The Board of Trustees appreciates the work of the staff and students who assisted in the interview process,” said Anderson. “Their help ensured the process went smoothly and all candidates felt welcomed. We are also grateful for all the parents, taxpayers, and employees who attended the meetings to meet the candidates, provide feedback, and watch the deliberations. It really reflected how strong our community is.”