MISSOULA – It’s now official — Missoula County Public Schools has a new superintendent.
The MCPS Board of Trustees has approved a three-year contract with Rob Watson during a Tuesday night meeting.
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Trustees approved paying Watson $180,000 for the 2019/2020 school year. The district will review his salary on an annual basis concurrent with the evaluation of his performance. At that time, the board will determine compensation for the remaining years of Watson’s contract.
Watson’s contract starts July 1, 2019 and runs through June 30, 2022.
Outgoing MCPS Superintendent Mark Thane salary was $183,500 that included a $21,000 annuity.
Watson comes to MCPS from Bozeman where he was the head of Bozeman Public Schools. His former jobs include serving as a middle school principal, and Sentinel High School principal.
“It is my sincere privilege to accept the position of Superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools. I wish to thank the Board for their leadership in the search process and for selecting me to serve in this important role,” Watson said.
“MCPS continues to be a leader in the state and region with regard to innovation and student achievement,” Watson added. “I appreciate the District mission to serve the needs of all students.”
“I feel fortunate to be chosen for this leadership position and I appreciate that the Board has given me the opportunity to represent MCPS. I am excited to begin my work with the staff, Board and Missoula community. I look forward to leading the MCPS team towards continued success,” Watson stated in a news release.
Watson — who was one of three finalists for superintendent — was chosen for the position on April 18. He was previously the of the Bozeman Public Schools system.
He’s no stranger to MCPS. Watson received his Doctorate at the University of Montana, served as a middle school principal, and Sentinel High School principal before moving to Bozeman.
