Packer to retire as Lincoln Schools superintendent

The Lincoln School Board accepted a letter of retirement from Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Packer during their meeting Jan. 8.

Packer has served as the Superintendent of Lincoln Schools since July 1, 2019, when she took over the job from Carla Anderson. During her tenure she has dealt with a number of challenges ,. While most were relatively routine for a small school she oversaw the implementation of distance learning as students and staff conducted classes from home during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Packer told the school board she appreciates her time at Lincoln Schools.

"To end a career in education, the best way to do it right here," she said.

Despite submitting here letter of retirement in January, Packer's contract doesn't end until June 30. "I'll be here till then."

Packer said her reason for retirement at the end of the year is simply a matter of timing.

"When I first came here I knew it would be four or five years. Five years went by really fast," she said. "I have 30 years in education. That's about what it is, the timing."

With her retirement on the horizon, Packer has some concerns about the district finding a replacement. In the last few years, fewer people are going onto education and as a result smaller schools have had issues with hiring new teachers. Packer explained the problem is even affecting the number of candidates for administrator positions.

"There are a lot of openings all over," she said. "People aren't doing it. People aren't going into (education), even on the admin side."

Packer said the problem isn't just something Montana is dealing with. She receives emails that are mainly superintendent posting for schools around the northwest, and the issues extends from Washington state to the Dakotas. It seems like people are just fleeing the field, she said.

"I'm fleeing because I'm old and it's time to move on," she said. But she's not fleeing far. "I'm gonna stay here and still be involved in stuff, but at least I'll have some freedom to be able to go and come, and I'll still try to be involved in the school.

It's not yet clear how soon the school board will start their search for a new superintendent.