Kalispell principal resigns after shoplifting conviction

KALISPELL, Mont. - A school principal who stole from a Kalispell grocery store has resigned. Following a shoplifting conviction in February, Matt Fawcett of Kalispell resigned as the principal of Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse. On Feb. 9, Fawcett pleaded guilty in Kalispell Municipal Court to theft of more than $40 worth of jelly preserves, honey and protein bars from Smith's in Kalispell.

KALISPELL, Mont. - A school principal who stole from a Kalispell grocery store has resigned.

Following a shoplifting conviction in February, Matt Fawcett of Kalispell resigned as the principal of Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse.

On Feb. 9, Fawcett pleaded guilty in Kalispell Municipal Court to theft of more than $40 worth of jelly preserves, honey and protein bars from Smith's in Kalispell.

He was fined $400 and given a 30-day suspended jail sentence for the Feb. 5 shoplifting incident. He was not ordered to pay restitution.

Fawcett resigned as principal a few days before the March 22 School District 6 Board meeting. Trustees approved his resignation at that meeting.

For the remainder of the school year, guidance counselor Brian Crandell will act as head teacher. Next year, two teachers will fill the head teacher role, Superintendent Michael Nicosia said.

Fawcett joined the Columbia Falls district in 2000 as principal at Canyon Elementary before moving to Ruder Elementary in Columbia Falls in 2004.

In 2009, Fawcett returned to Canyon where he was half-time principal.

In 2008, Fawcett was honored as Administrator of the Year by the International Reading Association.

Prior to working in District 6, Fawcett taught for nine years in the Kalispell school district.