Bayfield Superintendent Kevin Aten has been listed as a semifinalist for a superintendent position with the Helena School District in Helena, Montana.
Aten, who joined the Bayfield School District in 2018, said he had been in touch with the district’s recruitment firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, after applying for the open position. But he was unaware he had been named a semifinalist until last weekend.
“Saturday morning, I got a text saying my name was in the newspaper. I was taken aback a little bit,” Aten said. “I found out ... by somebody sending the article. The search firm had not had a chance to reach out yet and say, ‘Are you even interested?’”
The district school board named five semifinalist candidates during a special meeting Jan. 28, according to KTVH in Helena.
Aten said he has already informed the Bayfield school board of his discussions with the Helena district’s recruiter.
“I had an interest, obviously. There’s almost 30 applicants, and I’m just honored to even have the discussion,” Aten said. “I don’t think people should be packing up my house. ... It’s a small world of really qualified candidates.”
Aten last applied to the Helena School District in 2017. He saw that the district again had an opening and was working with the recruitment firm.
He and his wife vacation in Helena and enjoy the city, Montana’s capital. It also represents an opportunity for both the Atens to move to the same city. Aten’s wife, a teacher with 32 years of experience, works in Loveland and has not been able to find an opening in La Plata County.
“We did not know this bifurcated life would go on for three years,” Aten said.
Aten was born and raised in Durango. He joined the Bayfield School District in 2018. As superintendent, Aten plays a key role in the district as the highest ranking staff member who acts as a liaison between the board of directors and manages some district affairs. If he were to leave the district, it would be at the end of his contract in June.
He said he has a great job in a great school district in Bayfield, and that will remain true no matter how the job prospect turns out in Helena.
“It’s one of those things where you’re not looking to leave Bayfield,” Aten said. “This is one of those unique opportunities that doesn’t come along very often.”
smullane@durangoherald.com
