Chris Clevenger Returns to Missoula Catholic Schools as Principal

After a brief retirement of merely four days, Chris Clevenger has resumed his educational career, taking on the role of principal at St. Joseph Elementary and Middle School in Missoula. Clevenger brings over 26 years of experience in public education, most recently as the principal at Hellgate Elementary, where he concluded his tenure on June 26, 2023, before officially starting at St. Joseph on July 1, 2023.

Clevenger’s transition from public to private education is a familiar path for him. A graduate of Loyola Sacred Heart High School, he has deep family ties to the Missoula Catholic Schools, with both his sisters and children having attended Loyola. “It’s kind of like coming home, in a sense,” he remarked in an interview with the Missoulian.

New Leadership and Ongoing Achievements

Clevenger is not the only new face at Missoula Catholic Schools this year. Candy Tucker will lead the Early Education Program, bringing 17 years of experience to the position, according to a district press release. Additionally, the district celebrated Loyola awarding over $9.2 million in scholarships for its class of 2025. St. Joseph student Steven Klimkiewicz also garnered attention for representing the school at the International History Olympiad in Paris.

Reflecting on his departure from Hellgate Elementary, Clevenger expressed that while it was difficult, the timing was appropriate. He had earned his retirement in Montana after 25 years of service. His extensive background in education also includes coaching, where he volunteered for eight years with his children’s basketball teams at Loyola, leading them to statewide championships. He likens his role as principal to that of a coach, emphasizing mentorship and character development over purely academic instruction.

A Vision for St. Joseph

Clevenger describes himself as a “servant leader” with a focus on three core responsibilities: ensuring a safe learning environment for students, fostering a supportive working environment for staff, and serving families who entrust their children to St. Joseph. With his son recently graduating from Loyola, he and his wife Rachel are preparing for their new life as “empty nesters” this fall, as their son heads to the University of Montana.

Before becoming a school administrator, Clevenger began his teaching career in Victor, where he taught social studies, health, and driver’s education. One memorable moment from his driving lessons involved an unfortunate encounter with a deer, which he humorously recalls. “There was nothing we could do to avoid it,” he said, adding that the student handled the situation remarkably well.

His career path later led him to serve as an assistant principal at Hellgate Elementary before becoming the principal. Doug Resig, who served as superintendent during Clevenger’s tenure, praised the decision to appoint him as principal of St. Joseph, stating, “He knows that academic rigor means little without the development of a significant, positive relationship with each student.”

Clevenger’s enthusiasm and dedication are evident, as he encourages his staff to strive for excellence and treat students with respect, regardless of their backgrounds. “He sets high expectations for himself as well as for others,” Resig noted.

As Clevenger looks ahead to his career, he considers himself to be in the “fourth quarter.” At just 52 years old, he expressed hope that he can continue making a positive impact in education for years to come. “If I’m loving it, and I’m still effective, and I’m still having a positive impact, I could hopefully do this as long as I’m able,” he shared.

The excitement of the first day of school is something Clevenger cherishes, viewing it as a reunion for students and a day filled with anticipation for new teachers. The first day of school at St. Joseph is scheduled for August 27, 2023.