As the winds of change are blowing through the administration of FHS, at least one constant will remain - Athletic Director Gene Boyle will be back at FHS as he has for the past 21 years, and he's not going anywhere.
Despite the resignations of superintendent Bill Cooper, principal Cathy McDevitt and vice-principal Don Hatch, Boyle will return for his 22nd year working at FHS.
"FHS is a great school," said Boyle. "Great kids and a great staff. But we can't stop improving."
Boyle started his teaching career 33 years ago in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, where he was the only administrator who was not a nun.
"Those were great years," said Boyle. "I taught seven grades a day and coached football, track and basketball. I washed the towels, cleaned the floors and made about $4,250 (a year). Times have really changed."
After working in Coeur d' Alene for two years, Boyle went on to teach math and biology in Lewiston, Idaho. While there, he also coached football and was the assistant girls track coach.
In 1976, Boyle came to Flathead, and became head coach of the football team. In 1980, the Braves advanced to the state finals under Boyle's direction. The team lost to C.M.R., and the game was the last Boyle would coach for the team.
"It was a great season," said Boyle. "I was really proud of our team even though we lost. After the game in the locker room, the moment I had with those people, even though it was a losing situation, was a big moment for the team and for me."
Boyle looks back on his departure from coaching as a difficult time. Telling the returning juniors that he wouldn't be back was no easy task, he said.
In 1981, Boyle became Flathead High's athletic director. In 1987, FHS won the All-Sports Trophy and Boyle was named the athletic director of the Year.
"That was big. We reached the level of one of the top activities programs in the state," said Boyle. "My award was a big thing too, because I'd only been Athletic Director for five years. It was decided by my peers. Whenever that happens, it means a lot."
Despite a heavy interest in sports, Boyle feels the human aspect of education is important.
"Sometimes luck can account for glory," said Boyle. "The human parts are important to me."
Boyle, who has applied for the position of principal, says always striving for improvements are among his major concern. Among the improvements Boyle feels are necessary is understanding among teachers and students.
"I think as long as the teachers keep trying to improve and the students keep trying to improve, we're on the right track," said Boyle. "That's the key - to stimulate improvement in kids and teachers."
When asked why he thinks others in the administration are leaving, Boyle believes the rigors of education may have played some part.
"In education, every time you make a tough decision, 40 percent of the people disagree," said Boyle. "The amount of people who disagree increases with every decision. That makes it really hard to stay in leadership roles. Bill (Cooper) was unique. Very few people could stay as long as he did."
Boyle feels his experiences with McDevitt and Hatch will prepare him for the role of principal, if he receives the position.
"Cathy has taught me to be fair and flexible," said Boyle. "Don has to deal with the hardest job in the school. He's taught me to leave the problems in the office."
Both McDevitt and Hatch feel Boyle would prosper in the principal's job.
"I think (Boyle) has a lot of talents," said McDevitt. "Obviously he knows the school, both the students and the staff."
"Mr. Boyle is a spirit leader," said Hatch. "He spends as much time as just about anyone at work. If he has to stay late to get the job done, he will."
But as a veteran of 21 years, how long is Boyle willing to stick with FHS?
"My wife says five more years, I say 10," said Boyle. "As my daughter Deanna says, 'you have to continually check the relationship with the kids.' If it deteriorates, it's time to go."