December 5, 2024
Dear Melville Community,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jeff Bermes, and I have been recently hired by the Melville Board of Trustees, as the acting administrator, to help mitigate the changing of staff and educational responsibilities of the district. My job duties will be to facilitate the daily operations of the school district, look to replace staff, be an on-going liaison between the community and the board, and be available to the community to answer questions and handle issues that come up. My goal is to be available to the community as well as help keep the Melville school moving forward by providing the best possible educational opportunities for the students attending Melville school.
Here is a little about me. I was born and raised on a small farm and ranch east of Rapelje. I attended Rapelje Public Schools and graduated in 1989. I went to college after high school obtaining my Bachelor’s of Elementary Education from MSU-Billings in 1996. In the mix of my college education, I met my wife, Bonnie, who gave me two amazing sons, Ty and Terryn. Upon my college graduation, I was hired by Broadview Schools as an elementary teacher where I taught for nine years at multiple grade levels. During my time at Broadview Schools, I attended the University of Montana earning my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2005 with my Superintendent’s Endorsement. In the spring of 2005, I started my career as an Superintendent in Roberts from 2005-2010, then Joliet from 2010-2015 and then Columbus where I have spent the last nine years before retiring in June of 2024. Each move was an advancement for my career.
I enjoyed my time as a Superintendent, with each school district posing a new challenge; however, I found that as my career progressed my job requirements changed due to new mandates and requirements taking time away from the daily interaction I had with students - something I really enjoyed and missed. As with any position of leadership comes stress and after 28 years in education, with the blessing of my wife, I retired to pursue other opportunities. While on my search for other opportunities, the opportunity to help Melville schools presented itself, and I decided that I should put my name in the hat as a possible administrator that could help. I have a fondness for small schools and communities and appreciate the opportunity to be part of the school district and hopefully the community. Change is difficult, but I believe that with teamwork, lines of open communication and a common goal (our students) we, as a unified team, will make Melville Schools a source of pride and an outstanding educational institution. In closing, I want to invite all members of the community to feel free to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance at jbermes@melville.k12.mt.us or on my cell phone 406-697-5591.
Cordially,
Jeff Bermes