Superintendent Ely resigns

After nearly two years at Ekalaka Public Schools, the first part of which was spent as principal, Superintendent Stephen Ely recently resigned. Ely notified the board of his resignation in a letter sent via email on June 21st.

Prior to Ely, Kathryn Wright held the position of Superintendent at Ekalaka Public Schools. Wright began her stint in 2019, taking over for Daniel Schrock who held the position for three years. V. "Lee" Folley, Jr. held the position for one year prior to that and Allison Hardin served from 2009 to 2015.

Ely's June 21st resignation letter follows:

"June 21, 2022

Ekalaka Public Schools Board of Trustees

I want to thank the board for the opportunity that you have given me. I have made some lifelong friends and I have gotten to know some outstanding students. I believe that we have gained significant ground the last two years in many areas of the district. I feel confident that moving forward the district is set to grow and continue to be successful. Because of some family issues my time here is at an end. I tender my resignation to the Board of Trustees as of July 5, 2022. I ask that the board gives me 30 days to vacate district housing. I will do my best to be out as soon as possible. Thank you to our students, staff and parents.

Sincerely

Stephen A. Ely

Superintendent Ekalaka Public Schools"

Mr. Ely and his wife moved to Ekalaka from Florida right before the start of the 2020-21 school year.

At the regular school board meeting on Tuesday, Ely again thanked the board and briefly spoke about the upcoming school year.

"We're currently in a good place, except for a last minute resignation of the social studies teacher," he said.

The district posted the opening on the Montana Office of Public Instruction website on June 22nd and on Facebook June 27th. The posting also appears on the school's website, ekalaka.net. Included with the job description is the availability of district housing, a three bedroom Superintendent house that is less than 2 years old. The listing also states that the school will be operating an in-house daycare center for children of staff.

Ely currently resides in the aforementioned residence, and said that he plans to be moved out and ready for a walk-through inspection of the property by July 6th.

Besides superintendent, the district is still currently advertising for a social studies teacher and a business teacher for the upcoming school year.