TF principal submits resignation

Thompson Falls High School Principal Dan Schrock submitted his resignation during Monday’s school board meeting. The notice was a surprise to most in attendance. Schrock, who was hired last summer, said he is pursuing other opportunities. “I have had a good time here, and I am very proud of what I have been able to do here, but I am moving on professionally. I stand by what we have been able to achieve in Thompson Falls over the last year. It has by no means been an easy year," said Schrock. “I’ll miss the kids the most.”

The board also accepted the resignation of Scott McKenzie, who was the Technology Director. “He’s a good guy and a tough one to lose,” said Bud Scully, Thompson Falls Superintendent. “We have great staff and it’s unfortunate that some move on.”

The school board elected to hire Sarah Naegeli as a full-time elementary teacher. Naegeli was previously a paraprofessional helping at the school part-time for the last 15 years. She has coached cross country and track for 25 years and Science Olympiad for over 15 years. She graduated college years ago with a degree in agricultural engineering, but never used it. Recently, after helping out at Thompson Falls Schools, she decided to go back to class herself, online, and earned her master’s in education. Now, as a fourth-grade teacher, Naegeli says this is “something I have always wanted to do.” Naegeli filled in during the month of April as a teacher and will complete the year with her class. “I have a great class to finish with this year and I’m excited for next year!”

The school board voted to approve the employment renewal of the maintenance director, business manager, administration, non-tenured teachers and all classified staff.

Scully was proud to announce that Thompson Falls now meets Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) regulations and is fully accredited for the first time since 2015. This organization sets the accreditation standards for the state and involves ensuring staff are placed in the correct positions that they are properly certified for. As Scully explained, “It also involves making sure the school has the correct number of staff per number of students.”