Getting to Know School District 2 Superintendent: Greg Upham

Greg Upham took some time to meet with Simply Family Magazine to discuss his vision for his new position. The latest Superintendent of School District 2 may be the new guy on the block in Billings, but he brings with him 32 years of experience as an educator in areas around the state including Browning, Belt, and Helena.

Upham is a Montana native with roots stemming in Great Falls. Most recently, he left his position as Assistant Superintendent in Helena to accept the Billings Superintendent position. His wife, also an educator, works in Helena teaching math. He has two children who live in the Kalispell area, a son who is a teacher at Flathead High, and a daughter who works as an ICU nurse. Last, but not least, he has two furry children- a white lab and a cocker spaniel.

When asked about his objective to “improve student achievement” in his new position, Upham says, “The most important components of education remain simple, and yet produce the greatest results.” The foundation for successful students is comprised of, “having the skills to create positive relationships, the curiosity and confidence to become a lifelong learner, and the grit to deal with disappointment and failure.”

He feels passionate about introducing careers to students earlier by getting them into the workplace or on the job site, equipping them for the changing workforce. He explains, "This type of environment will require our students to develop a growth mindset that embraces change, confidence, and teamwork."

Another essential aspect to ensure our youth's success, according to Upham, are the issues of social and mental health. “The most important aspect parents must teach their students is the strength of resiliency.” Allowing our children to experience failure, and teaching them to respond to it healthily is invaluable for their future success in life. He adamantly believes, "Having the ability to be confident to attempt challenges and fail, allow an individual to build the resiliency needed for the future, no matter the level of disappointment."

When asked what he wants readers to know about him, Upham quickly responds, “I love kids, educators, and families!” It’s safe to say Billings Public Schools is in good hands with Superintendent Greg Upham.

Originally printed in the pages of Simply Family Magazine’s September 2018 issue.

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