Columbia Falls Junior High welcomes new principal

Columbia Falls Junior High has a new principal in Chinook native Ted Miller. Miller was previously a principal at Fort Shaw Elementary School north of Great Falls.

He replaces longtime principal Dave Wick, who is now superintendent of schools.

Miller said the issues are often the same, large school or small.

“You just have more of them,” he joked during a recent interview.

Miller said he’s appreciative of the staff and how they’ve helped him not only with his transition, but with the pandemic.

Most teachers are teaching a schedule of in-person classes and then another period for remote students.

“The staff has really stepped up,” he said.

A typical junior high teacher sees about 150 students a day.

Miller received his undergraduate degree from Montana State University Northern in Havre and his master’s degree from the University of Montana.

Now 38, he taught for 10 years before transitioning into the principal role.

His wife, Jenny teaches kindergarten at Glacier Gateway and the couple have twin girls in the fifth grade, also at Gateway.

Miller said his philosophy as a principal is simple.

“My main role is to support the teachers,” he said and keep a team atmosphere.

But on the kids sides of things, he’s active too.

The school is working on social media platforms to get the word out on things happening at school. He noted the school already has unique programs for a junior high, including a large garden and a great shop program.

“We have a great staff,” he said. “They’re dedicated to Columbia Falls, the students and the community.”

The school will soon see upgrades to its front entrance that will make the building safer. That dovetails into an overall theme.

“I’m big on creating a safe, positive environment,” he said.