New Fremont school superintendent happy to be back in Idaho - East Idaho News
St. Anthony

New Fremont school superintendent happy to be back in Idaho

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ST. ANTHONY — The man chosen to lead Fremont Joint School District 215 in the coming years said he is thrilled to be back in the Gem State.

Byron Stutzman, the current superintendent of Crook County School District 1 in Sundance, Wyoming, was recently chosen by the District 215 school board to replace retiring superintendent Garry Parker.

“I’m thrilled to come back to Idaho,” Stutzman told EastIdahoNews.com. “I love to hunt and fish and am glad to be back in farm country.”

Previously, Stutzman farmed in Idaho for 20 years, where he also served on a school board in Buhl. He then taught and became principal and finally the superintendent in Buhl School District for four years. Stutzman then moved from Idaho to Wyoming where he was superintendent in Sundance.

Stutzman said he is moving back to help the district with the education process and to hopefully build a better system. Stutzman said this is only possible through a team effort involving everyone from volunteers to the school board.

“Together we can instill a love of learning in students — a lifelong love of learning in K-12 that will make a difference to students,” he said.

The new superintendent also recognizes the important role technology plays in the classroom. Through technology Stutzman said education can become more individualized for students and help meet their needs. However, Stutzman said despite how great a tool it is, it can’t replace teachers and people.

The Fremont School Board has been working with the Idaho School Board Association to find a new superintendent for several months. Stutzman was among five finalists that were interviewed and attended a meet-and-greet event last month. After the event, Board Chairman Shawn Dye offered Stutzman the job, which he accepted.

“We are excited about the new duperintendent and for the things that he can do,” Board trustee Marcia Murdoch said.

Murdoch said the board voted unanimously to offer the job to Stutzman. The board received high recommendations from the Buhl School District and from the Crook County School District.

“We had a lot of different choices and really had to discuss and see who had the most experience,” Murdoch said. “The meet-and-greet helped and the community seemed to come to the same conclusion as the board.”

Salary information for Stutzman has not been released as the board is still negotiating the terms of his contract.

Board trustees said they are excited for the change, but will miss Parker. He has served as the superintendent in District 215 for 15 years and will retire in June.

EastIdahoNews.com was unable to reach Parker for comment on his departure.

Stutzman is looking forward to working with the district and has been impressed by the board during the hiring process.

“It will be good,” Stutzman said, “The board is truly concerned about the district and are in their positions for a good reason.”

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