It’s a go – Colstrip principal is new Laurel superintendent

It’s official, Colstrip High School principal Matthew Torix has signed a three-year contract with the Laurel School District and will take over leadership of the district on July 1.

The Laurel School Board on Monday night approved a contract with Torix, offering him an annual salary of $125,000. This is above the original allocated salary of between $114,000 and $120,000. The contract was negotiated by the Montana School Boards Association.

Karen Teeters, Laurel School Board chairman and chair of the search committee, said the board is thrilled to have Torix as the new leader of the school district.

“We are very excited, and he is excited. Now, he’s got the job of finding a place to live. We can’t wait to get him started.”

Torix has worked in education for 28 years, including serving as the superintendent at Plentywood for four years and principal and superintendent for Plentywood. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and a superintendent’s certification from Montana State University. Current Laurel superintendent Dr. Linda Filpula is retiring at the end of June, after serving in the Laurel School District for 29 years.

Laurel educators and administrators praised Torix after meeting him in late March during tours of Laurel schools, saying he was a strong communicator and committed to helping students.