Nashua Identifies Super Finalists

Nashua School Board Selects Superintendent Finalists

The Nashua School Board chose five finalists to interview for the position of superintendent/principal during a screening of applicants on Feb. 21.

“We were impressed with the quality of the applicants and are very excited about the chance to look at the five finalists more closely during the interviews,” said Carla Tihista, Nashua School Board chairman. “The board took time to review all of the applications and select a group of finalists after reviewing the results of a survey that the board conducted with students, staff and the community to look at what qualities we need in our new superintendent.”

The five finalists selected are Jennifer Buchmann-Cunningham, transformational leader with the Montana Office of Public Instruction; Brett Huntsman, mathematics teacher in Butte; Larry Markuson, former superintendent in Hot Springs; Mike Radakovich, former superintendent in Circle; and Willie Thibault, vice principal and activities director in Glasgow.

A public reception is planned for Monday, March 5, at 3:30 p.m. in the Nashua gym for all of the finalists. Interviews will be on Monday and Tuesday, March 5 and 6, and are open to the public.

Jennifer Buchmann-Cunningham – serves as a transformational leader under a Schools of Promise Grant for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She served as an elementary assistant principal and teacher in Glasgow, the band director for the Whitehall School District, and a music teacher in Hinsdale. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Montana State University – Billings and a master’s in educational leadership and her superintendent endorsement from the University of Montana – Missoula.

Brett Huntsman – is a mathematics teacher in the Butte School District and has been designated as a future administrator by the district. He has also served as a college algebra teacher at Montana Tech. He was a mathematics teacher in Brigham City, Utah. He earned his bachelor’s degree in math and history from the University of Montana – Western and his master’s in education from Lesley University. His educational leadership endorsement is from the University of Montana – Missoula.

Larry Markuson – served as superintendent/high school principal for Hot Springs Public Schools for eight years. He served as transportation director and completed his administrative practicum at Whitewater High School. His teaching experience includes Whitewater, Garfield County Public Schools and Shelby. He successfully passed his National Teacher’s Exam. He earned his master’s in educational leadership and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from MSU-Bozeman.

Mike Radakovich– served as superintendent and principal in Circle. He was a teacher in Ryegate, Frazer, Scobey and Malta. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Montana State University – Billings. His master’s degree in school administration is from the University of Mary,in Bismarck, N.D.

Willie Thibault – is vice principal and activities director in the Glasgow Public Schools. He served as superintendent and 7-12 principal in Westhope, N.D., 7-12 principal in Dickinson, N.D., and 7-12 principal and athletic director in Sheridan, Mont. He taught history at Shields Valley High School. Thibault earned an associate of arts degree from Williston State College, his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University, his superintendent’s endorsement from the University of North Dakota, and his master’s in education leadership from the University of Montana – Missoula.