Flathead County commissioners interviewed two finalists for the county superintendent of schools vacancy and heard each candidate describe priorities for rural schools, fiscal oversight and implementing recent changes to homeschool law.

The interviews, held during the June 5 hearing, featured Marcia Stolfes, a business manager with 28 years at Kyla School who said she "highly recommend[s]" the principal she worked with and emphasized working closely with school boards and legal counsel. Doctor Shannon Marshall, current principal at Kyla, said her long-term goal for the office is "collaboration" to help rural districts pool curriculum purchases, professional development and other services.

Both candidates confirmed familiarity with the superintendent's statutory duties in the Montana Code Annotated and said they could perform them. Stolfes told commissioners, "I do feel like I can perform all those duties," referencing accounting, tuition, transportation and budgeting responsibilities. Marshall said she would "become more familiar" with the duties as part of preparing to serve all county schools.

Each candidate addressed rural budget pressures and strategies for preserving core academics. Stolfes said small districts should prioritize staff salaries and special-education supports; Marshall recommended creating countywide timelines for curriculum review to reduce duplicative purchases and costs.

Commissioners asked about the recent legislative changes affecting homeschooling and related duties shifted to county superintendents under MCA 20-5-109. Stolfes warned the unfunded nature of the new duties makes outreach and registration critical and said counties will need to "get information out, make sure it's easy and accessible." Marshall said she supports increased accountability and suggested strategies such as periodic assessment and continued community engagement so students do not "fall off the map."

Both candidates discussed community engagement, career and technical education, and staying current with state law. Tammy Skorowski, HR director, told both candidates the county was conducting background checks and expected a decision "as soon as possible," likely by the following week.

The interviews were held in public session; commissioners noted the superintendent position is elected and any appointee would need to run in the next election cycle. The commission did not make a hiring decision during the meeting.