We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
School Administration is a tough job, but two new people are taking on that challenge in the Harlem Public School system. Recent vacancies have been filled by Jon McGee and LaCrissa St. Pierre.
Both are Montana natives with McGee growing up in Butte, Montana. St. Pierre grew up in Havre before moving to Great Falls where she graduated from CMR. St. Peirre is the new elementary principal and McGee has taken on the duties of superintendent in Harlem.
McGee is married to his wife Kim and they have four adult children and eight grandchildren. He has been in education for 33 years, 6 as an elementary teacher in Elko, Nevada. From there he moved to Harrison, Montana to be Superintendent.
McGee went to college at the U of M in Missoula and got his administrative and graduate degree from the University of Phoenix. After Harrison, he moved to Montana City, Florence-Carlton, and then a then a ten year stint in Centerville before coming to Harlem.
“In high school, I coached younger kids and enjoyed working with them. I haven’t regretted that move at all and enjoy being an educator,” McGee said about why he got into teaching. He said his favorite thing about teaching is making sure you are doing the right things to provide a good education for students.
McGee is an active hunter and fisherman and an avid Griz fan. Since moving to Harlem, he has enjoyed meeting the staff and the kids. “I really enjoy it up here. I look forward to building the school system into something to be proud of,” added McGee.
LaCrissa St. Pierre attributes athletics to her teaching career. Even while in high school she knew she wanted to teach physical education and coach. “I could never leave my athletics, I never had a second thought about becoming a PE teacher,” said St. Pierre.
However a stroke seven years ago, changed her course. The stroke affected her vision in one eye, and prevented her from continuing her PE job. Time at home caused her to take a different path.
St. Pierre taught K-12 PE at Rocky Boy for 19 years. She got her Bachelors in Physical Education from Jamestown College in North Dakota. “I had a full ride scholarship there for track,” said St. Pierre. She was a track standout in high school. After college she moved to Rocky Boy where she taught and did some volleyball and basketball coaching. “I didn’t coach track, but helped at track meets and supported the kids,” said St. Pierre.
While at Rocky Boy she got her Administrative degree from MSU-Northern. After the stroke, she spent time at home, but it was hard on her. “Six months at home drove me crazy.” So she went back to work.
She did some tutoring at Rocky Boy and also taught some physical education classes at Aaniiih Nakoda College in Fort Belknap. She became dean of students, and when the principal resigned mid year at Rocky Boy, she was moved up to Principal. The next year she was hired permanently. From there she moved to Harlem where she is now.
Despite her disability, her love for sports still endures. “I make sure my concentration is on administration, but I still help with athletics wherever they need me. I make sure the kids are supported in all activities,” said, St. Pierre. When asked her favorite part about education, St. Pierre replied, “The kids. You can have the worst day in the world, but they make it worthwhile to come to work.”
