The Great Falls Public Schools board unanimously approved a contract during their March 25 meeting for Heather Hoyer, who assumes the role of superintendent on July 1.

The board had voted unanimously during a February meeting to offer Hoyer a three-year contract with a starting salary of $175,000.

The board also authorized the Montana School Board Association to negotiate the terms of the contract with Hoyer.

Gordon Johnson, board chair, said it was largely a standard contract for superintendents in Montana.

There was no public comment on the contract during the meeting.

GFPS board selects Heather Hoyer as next superintendent

Superintendent Tom Moore is retiring on June 30. He has served as superintendent since 2019.

Hoyer has served as an assistant superintendent at GFPS since July 2019.

She’s worked for GFPS since 1996. Her previous positions include: Great Falls High principal for four years, assistant principal at GFH for seven years, administrative intern for one year, and a science teacher for 11 years at Paris Gibson and East middle schools and GFH.

GFPS receives two superintendent applications; moving forward with interviews

In November, the school board hired the Montana School Boards Association to conduct the search for a new superintendent.

The district received two applications for the position.

GFPS approves salary range for superintendent search

The other applicant was Steven Mayhue, superintendent of Froid Public Schools in northeastern Montana.

During the February meeting, school board member Bill Bronson said he suggested the three-year term, which is the maximum allowable for a superintendent in Montana, since the board conducts annual reviews of the superintendent and can address any concerns in that process and make adjustments to the contract.

Moore retiring as GFPS superintendent

There was no public comment about the superintendent candidates or the board’s selection of Hoyer during the Feb. 20 meeting.