Mtn. View/Birch Tree – The Mountain View and Birch Tree School District has selected a new superintendent, as according to a recent announcement. Read below for full details.
The Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III District’s Board of Education finalized interviews Monday evening, November 28, 2022. The Board of Education is pleased to announce the upcoming appointment of Mrs. Lanna Tharp as the next Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Tharp will succeed Dr. Don Christensen, who is retiring at the end of the school year after eight years of service at Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III.
Board President Jennifer Foster said, “Mrs. Tharp impressed the board with her drive for doing what is best for students, and is excited to ensure all students are prepared for their future. We look forward to working with Mrs. Tharp as we strive for greatness. Mrs. Tharp is passionate about helping the Mountain View Birch Tree School District continue to grow, and is looking forward to working on MVBT becoming one of the top districts in the state.”
“I consider it a true privilege to be appointed as the new Superintendent at Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III. In 1974, I started my education at Birch Tree Elementary in Ms. Bertha Smotherman’s kindergarten class. In 1993, I started my school career in the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District. Since that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various teaching and administrative positions throughout the district. Since 2021 I’ve been serving as the Assistant Superintendent. It’s been a privilege to work and serve alongside amazing students, staff members, administrators, parents, community members, and the MVBT Board of Education. If space allowed, I could easily list several hundreds of names of people who have significantly impacted my passion for MVBT. I value the programs and services that are already in place and will continue to build on those programs and services as we move forward. We are guaranteed to face challenges, but we will identify them, conquer them, and move forward towards being the extraordinary district we are destined to be. It is my intent that our district create a culture of collaboration, combined with open and clear communication among the staff, students, parents, the Board of Education, and the community. I will always welcome your questions, concerns, or suggestions that lead to preparing our students and staff for success. Together, we can make MVBT the best school on earth!”, said Mrs. Tharp.
Mrs. Tharp has been married to her husband, Allen Tharp, for 27 years. Since marrying, they have lived in Montier, Birch Tree, and Mountain View. They have two sons, Nicholas and Mason. Both are Liberty High School graduates. Mrs. Tharp credits her ability to work tirelessly to her supportive family.