BOZEMAN, Mont. – In April, Bozeman Public Schools Superintendent Rob Watson was chosen as Missoula County Public Schools’ next superintendent.
Watson was unable to comment when the news first broke about his new job in Missoula but now that contract negotiations are settled he’s able to share more about his decision to head back to where he came from.
“It was a hard decision. I honestly approached the decision in a couple of different ways. What was best for my family and transitions are always hard, so we discussed that quite a bit,” Watson said. “Also looking at what was best for me professionally and personally, I’m the type of individual that really enjoys continually trying to push myself and challenge myself.”
The Montana native has been the head and heart of Bozeman Public Schools since 2012.
Watson’s major accomplishments during his superintendent career have been planning for the second high school and passing the bond along with educational initiatives such as the reading one.
Bozeman has been a special place for Watson.
He said, “What I’ll miss the most is the people that I work with and the people I have met in the community because that has definitely been a highlight. I think Bozeman is very lucky to have a lot of high-quality professionals that work in the school district and its been an honor for me to work with those people.”
While his new job in Missoula will give him the challenge he’s looking for, Watson hopes to also alleviate some challenges that the district may already be facing.
“What I’m most looking forward to is getting to know the people of Missoula and talking to various folks about successes and challenges and how I can help with some of the challenges they might have,” Watson said.
Transition isn’t always easy but Watson said he’s assured that the Bozeman School District is in a good spot.
“Change can be really healthy not only for the individual but for the organization and so I honestly think even though it might not be the best time to leave, a change in this position can be very healthy for the organization. So I’m encouraged by that, too,” he said.
Watson finishes up in Bozeman the last week of June and will begin in Missoula July 1.
