PHS principal promoted to superintendent July 1

Polson High School principal Andy Fors will be changing jobs July 1 when he steps into the role of superintendent of School District 23. Mike Cutler, who joined the district in 2021, is retiring at the end of the school year.

“I’m very excited,” Fors said. He added that district’s priorities will continue to be offering great learning opportunities for Polson students and, for the next two years, completing the district’s building projects.

During Cutler’s tenure, voters passed elementary and high school bond issues that have allowed the district to embark on significant building and remodeling projects at Linderman and Cherry Valley Elementary and Polson Middle School and High School.

Fors was born, raised and educated in Polson and considers himself “a very, very proud member of this community."

“I’m honored to build the school system,” he says of his new duties.

Betsy Wade, now the district’s curriculum director, will take over as PHS principal. Prior to this, she spent eight years at Polson High School as a school counselor, where she built strong, lasting relationships with students, families and staff, according to Fors.

Her diverse roles in education, including classroom instruction, counseling and district leadership, have given her a comprehensive perspective on student success and school improvement.

Jay Sampson will continue as PHS assistant principal.

Although Fors acknowledges he’s a bit biased, he complimented the school board for their leadership.

“The members are great community members and give us (the schools) great support.”

“Polson schools provide great opportunities for our students, and it’s a wonderful place for educators,” Fors continued, adding that the facilities are good and when construction is complete they’ll be even better.

“We plan to continue our excellence, providing a place for students to succeed,” he said.