News Release
Governor Martz Appoints Great Falls Educator to Board of Public Education
3/4/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
HELENA – Governor Judy Martz today announced that she has appointed Cal Gilbert, the principal at Longfellow School in Great Falls, to the Montana Board of Public Education. The appointment continues a twenty-seven year practice of keeping an American Indian representative on the Board of Public Education.
“I am very impressed with Cal’s knowledge, passion, and dedication,” Governor Martz said. “I was specifically encouraged by his tremendous service to American Indian education. This service is critical as we work to support Montana schools. I am confident Cal will serve admirably to help continue the excellent work the board does on behalf of schools in Montana. It is an honor to appoint him.”
Gilbert has focused his career on American Indian education in Great Falls as a classroom teacher, director of Indian Education, and currently as a school administrator. He is a member of the Montana Indian Education Association and serves on the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education.
“I thank Governor Martz for this opportunity,” Gilbert stated. “I am thrilled to get the chance to work with a great group of people on the Board of Public Education. This is a special opportunity to strengthen Montana’s schools. We have some unique challenges ahead of us but I know this board is up to the task.”
Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of Great Falls and a Master of Education in Elementary Administration from the University of Great Falls. In addition to his education duties he also serves on the city/county Native American Government Advisory Commission and as chair of the Indian Family Health Clinic board in Great Falls.
“I welcome Cal to the Board of Public Education,” board chair Dr. Kirk Miller said. “He comes to the board with excellent background on educational issues in Montana. His experience will help the board as we work together with the Governor’s Office, the Office of Public Instruction, legislature and the education community to address a great number of education issues in Montana. I look forward to working with him.”
Gilbert replaces Joyce Silverthorne, whose ten-year tenure ended in February. His seven-year term will end in February 2011.
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