Smith resigns from activities director, teaching positions at Bigfork High

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

"I love this little town and this little school," Bigfork High School Activities Director Shannon Smith said upon giving his letter of resignation last week.

Activities director for two years, Smith resigned from the position as well as his teaching job citing "family reasons." Smith will teach math at Glacier High School starting next fall.

"The Bigfork community and school have supported me and my family wonderfully," Smith said. "It's been great working with the coaches. They're an incredible group of people. It's been a thrill to work with all the kids."

Smith was named AD in May of 2006 after his first full year at BHS. He previously taught in Colorado and Arizona and had 14 years of experience in education prior to accepting the AD position.

A native of the Flathead Valley, Smith grew up in Kalispell and attended Flathead High School. His wife Lauren is also in education. The couple has four children.

Besides teaching, Smith has coached a number of sports including football, rugby and baseball.

"It's all about the kids," Smith said two years ago. "That's where it starts and ends. I want them to come away with a good experience."

BHS principal Thom Peck said Smith did a good job in his two years as AD and three years as teacher.

"It was a tough beginning this year," Peck said. "There were a lot of new coaches and that's always kind of tricky."

The school has already begun the search for a new AD in-house.

"The school's in good hands," Smith said of his knowledge and belief in the internal candidates for the job.