2025 Evening of Excellence
Thank you to D.A. Davidson and Dorsey & Whitney for sponsoring the
2025 SAM Evening of Excellence!
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bill McCaw
- Bill McCaw has been a public school educator for 45 years including 20 years in P-12 education as a teacher, coach, and central office administrator. He has been a professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana for the past 25 years and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Chair in Educational Leadership since 2020. Over the course of his time at UM, he chaired 38 doctoral dissertations and served on a total of 147 dissertation committees.
A consistent theme in Bill’s scholarly interests has been his analysis of the leadership construct by examining the roles and relationships between leaders and followers, courageous actions within these roles, and the development of personal and organizational environments conducive to peak performance. His main research focus has been on school board behavior and student achievement. Over the last year, Bill was involved, with other members of the EDLD department at UM, in the comprehensive study on the four-day school week in Montana. These ongoing interests informed the 208 master and doctoral level courses he taught at the University of Montana.
Building upon the results of his research, Bill published and presented these leadership ideas to educational, business, and government leaders at local, regional, national, and international levels. His scholarly activities consist of over 78 publications and 157 presentations, including 31 international and national conferences, and two lecture tours in China.
- Bill McCaw has been a public school educator for 45 years including 20 years in P-12 education as a teacher, coach, and central office administrator. He has been a professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana for the past 25 years and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Chair in Educational Leadership since 2020. Over the course of his time at UM, he chaired 38 doctoral dissertations and served on a total of 147 dissertation committees.
- Krystal Ferguson: 2025 MSCA Counselor of the Year
- Krystal Ferguson is a passionate and dedicated elementary school counselor at Jim Darcy Elementary School in Helena, Montana, where she has advocated for students for the past seven years. With a total of fifteen years in education, Krystal supports over 500 students annually, addressing their social, emotional, and academic needs in a holistic, student-centered approach. As a leader in her district, she is committed to the continuous growth of the school counseling profession, believing that a well-organized, connected, and integrated counseling program can have a transformative impact—not only on students but on families, educators, and the broader community.
Guided by Aristotle’s belief that “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all,” Krystal’s philosophy centers on the whole child. She holds bachelor’s degree in Art K-12 and History Education from the University of Montana Western and a master’s in K-12 Counseling from Montana State University-Northern. Krystal’s greatest strength lies in her ability to build meaningful, nonjudgmental relationships, connecting with students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds with empathy, positivity, and care. Outside of her professional life, Krystal is a creative spirit who enjoys crafting, exploring Montana’s stunning outdoors, and spending quality time with her husband of 16 years, their two children, and their beloved pets.
- Krystal Ferguson is a passionate and dedicated elementary school counselor at Jim Darcy Elementary School in Helena, Montana, where she has advocated for students for the past seven years. With a total of fifteen years in education, Krystal supports over 500 students annually, addressing their social, emotional, and academic needs in a holistic, student-centered approach. As a leader in her district, she is committed to the continuous growth of the school counseling profession, believing that a well-organized, connected, and integrated counseling program can have a transformative impact—not only on students but on families, educators, and the broader community.
- Melissa Bartelt: 2024 MASBO Outstanding Business Official
- Melissa Bartelt has worked as the Business Manager and District Clerk for the Reed Point School District since 2008. Over the years, she has supported her district and others with practical financial knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on doing what’s best for students. She’s always willing to share what she’s learned and enjoys mentoring new business officials as they step into the role.
Melissa holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing, a Class 4 Montana Teaching License, and is a Montana Certified Business Official. Alongside her business work, she’s taught keyboarding to K–8 students and Personal Finance to 7th and 8th graders. She works closely with trustees, administrators, and county officials to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility, and has even collaborated with software developers to implement tools that help schools better visualize and manage their funds. She enjoys finding ways to make finance approachable — whether it’s for students, staff, or school board members.
Originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota, Melissa moved to Big Timber Montana in 2002 where she resides with her husband Scott and their 14-year-old twins. She also has a 27-year-old son and daughter-in-law who live in Bozeman. She recently joined MASBO in a contracted role where she continues helping others navigate the rewarding — and sometimes overwhelming — world of school business.
Melissa values teamwork, community, and doing work that matters. She feels honored to serve public education in Montana and to be considered for this recognition
- Melissa Bartelt has worked as the Business Manager and District Clerk for the Reed Point School District since 2008. Over the years, she has supported her district and others with practical financial knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a focus on doing what’s best for students. She’s always willing to share what she’s learned and enjoys mentoring new business officials as they step into the role.
- Juanita Bueter: 2025 MASN School Nurse of the Year
- Juanita Bueter graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University. She began her career in a hospital Medical-Surgical unit during a time when nursing and health care dynamics were rapidly changing the profession and model of care.
After several years of intermittent clinic nursing while raising her family, Juanita began School Nursing in 2001 at Mammoth School in Yellowstone National Park, then to Gardiner School in Gardiner, Montana. As the dynamics of Rural Montana School Nursing and Public Health within Park County evolved, she began working in 2015 for the Park County Health Department serving five rural school districts covering a distance of 125 miles.
Juanita is passionate about the role of the school nurse within public health. Working with children and their families in the rural Montana schools that serve as the social hub for everything from ball games to voting to flu clinics, Juanita’s impact extends to the entire community, establishing an effective path to promote health and prevent illness.
Juanita believes working in prevention is a special opportunity since it is not a central aspect of our healthcare system. For her, each day presents unique and unexpected situations, necessitating ingenuity and autonomy to advocate for health and health care in a small local jurisdiction, supporting a committed interdisciplinary team of Park County organizations and agencies.
Juanita lives with her husband in Yellowstone National Park and enjoys hiking, skiing and bird watching with him, her children and grandchild.
- Juanita Bueter graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University. She began her career in a hospital Medical-Surgical unit during a time when nursing and health care dynamics were rapidly changing the profession and model of care.
- Miles serves as a science teacher and department leader for the Bozeman High School. He holds two degrees from the Pennsylvania State University; a B.S. Science Education and a B.S. Biology. Miles also has two degrees from Montana State University; a M.S. Science Education and an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. Miles has a passion for developing experiential curricula to engage students in science class. Throughout his career, he has instructed all varieties of science topics ranging from grades 8 to 12. Every odd year, Miles leads 20 high school students on an ecology field trip to the remote jungles of Costa Rica. In the summer, you'll find Miles on a river guiding and sharing his outdoor expertise with fly fishing anglers from around the world. In his free time, he enjoys sharing everything Montana outdoors has to offer with his two adolescent daughters.
- Jake Warner: 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Mathematics
- Jake Warner is a National Board Certified teacher who teaches mathematics and robotics at Capital High School in Helena, MT. Jake has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology from Montana State University and a master’s degree in secondary education from Arizona State University. Before teaching, Jake was a construction project engineer in Arizona, there he became a corps member of Teach for America and taught mathematics to 8th-12th graders. For three years Jake served as the Mathematics Instructional Coordinator for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Jake returned to full time teaching in 2017 and has been loving it ever since! Jake has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), is a Fulbright fellow, and was a finalist for Montana Teacher of the Year.
- Amanda Rapstad: 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Science
- Amanda Rapstad has been an educator for 19 years, with the last decade spent at Story Creek Elementary (formerly Heck-Quaw Elementary) in Belgrade, Montana, where she has taught both first and fourth grades. Prior to her time in Montana, Amanda taught first and third grades in Arizona.
Amanda is deeply passionate about fostering a love of lifelong learning in her students. She believes that education should be exciting, engaging, and relevant, and she provides her students with abundant opportunities to participate in authentic, hands-on experiences. Most recently, through a partnership with Montana State University’s Science and Engineering Department, Amanda's students tackled real-world challenges by engineering filters to clean the air following a wildfire that impacted a nearby community. Her class collaborated with local engineers, discussed community concerns, and proposed their own engineering-based solutions.
A lifelong learner, Amanda is actively involved in professional development. She regularly participates in book clubs and learning communities, presents at educational conferences, serves on her district’s curriculum team, and mentors new teachers entering the profession.
In 2018, Amanda was honored with the Distinguished Teacher—Regular Education Award by the Montana Council of Administrators of Special Education, recognizing her inclusive work with students in special education within the general education classroom.
Amanda holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She also holds a National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading–Language Arts.
- Amanda Rapstad has been an educator for 19 years, with the last decade spent at Story Creek Elementary (formerly Heck-Quaw Elementary) in Belgrade, Montana, where she has taught both first and fourth grades. Prior to her time in Montana, Amanda taught first and third grades in Arizona.
- Jennifer Warner: 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Mathematics
- Jennifer Warner has been an educator for twelve years teaching grades kindergarten through fourth grade. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Eastgate Elementary School in East Helena, MT. She previously taught in the Glendale School District 40 in Glendale, AZ. She completed her 16 week student teaching on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, AZ. Jennifer earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Indiana University and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.
Jennifer strives to incorporate higher mathematical thinking in her classroom by using number talks. She understands the importance of peer interaction and communication between students to gain understanding and how it can lead to a positive classroom environment. She also engages students in lessons about Native Americans within a math lesson. She is passionate about learning new ideas. Her class motto is “Mistakes help us grow.” She is not afraid to take risks and ask questions all while encouraging her students to do the same.
- Jennifer Warner has been an educator for twelve years teaching grades kindergarten through fourth grade. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Eastgate Elementary School in East Helena, MT. She previously taught in the Glendale School District 40 in Glendale, AZ. She completed her 16 week student teaching on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, AZ. Jennifer earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Indiana University and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.
- Sarah Urban: 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Science
- Sarah Urban has been an educator for twenty-three years, including the last twenty teaching science at Capital High School in Helena. She currently teaches Honors Biology and AP Biology. Sarah earned a B.S. in cellular biology from Western Washington University and a master’s in teaching degree with an emphasis in secondary education from Whitworth University. She is certified in secondary biology, chemistry, and Broadfield science, and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adult Biology. She was the 2020 National Biology Teacher’s Association Montana Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Montana Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awardee in science.
Outside of the classroom she loves spending time with her husband Eric and chasing her three teenage children, Isaac, Elizabeth and Matthew, mostly to swim meets. She loves spending time outdoors running and hiking. Last fall she completed the 50-mile trek from one rim of the Grand Canyon, to the other, then back again in one day.
Sarah stays current in science content and engages students in relevant, authentic science experiences and real-world learning through collaboration in programs including three National Institute of Health Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) programs. These include PHAGES (Phages Helping Acquire Genuine Experiences in Science) through Montana Technological University and REACH (Research Education on Air and Cardiovascular Health) with the University of Montana. Through these partnerships, her students have the opportunity to discover bacteriophages, to present research projects at state and national competitions, and to be immersed in conceptual and hands-on modeling
- Sarah Urban has been an educator for twenty-three years, including the last twenty teaching science at Capital High School in Helena. She currently teaches Honors Biology and AP Biology. Sarah earned a B.S. in cellular biology from Western Washington University and a master’s in teaching degree with an emphasis in secondary education from Whitworth University. She is certified in secondary biology, chemistry, and Broadfield science, and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adult Biology. She was the 2020 National Biology Teacher’s Association Montana Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Montana Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awardee in science.
- Levi Osborne: 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching - Mathematics
- Levi Osborne has spent the past 17 years teaching Business and Computer Science at Billings Central Catholic High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a University Honors Degree with Distinction from Montana State University – Bozeman, where he discovered his passion for education. He went on to earn his teaching certification in Business and Computer Science from the University of Montana – Western, and later completed a Master of Education at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.
Levi was named Billings Catholic Schools Educator of the Year in 2020 and received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2023. He currently teaches Personal Finance, Business Solutions, Introduction to Computer Science, and AP Computer Science – Java. Beyond the classroom, he has contributed to professional development statewide by designing several courses for the Montana OPI Teacher Learning Hub.
Known for his creativity and dedication, Levi continually seeks to engage students with innovative approaches to learning. He takes pride in faithfully serving his students, colleagues, and community as a passionate and committed educator
- Levi Osborne has spent the past 17 years teaching Business and Computer Science at Billings Central Catholic High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a University Honors Degree with Distinction from Montana State University – Bozeman, where he discovered his passion for education. He went on to earn his teaching certification in Business and Computer Science from the University of Montana – Western, and later completed a Master of Education at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.
- Dawn Sievers: 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year
- Dawn Sievers teaches English 7th grade, Spanish 7th - 12th grades, and Art 7th -12th grades at Power Schools in Power, Montana. In the past her eclectic subject selection also included English 6th, Spanish 4-6th, and academic intervention assistance. Working with other teachers and parents, she also spends countless hours tutoring after school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, major (6-12), Spanish, minor (k-12), and art, teaching minor (k-12) at the University of Great Falls, currently known as the University of Providence. In addition, she has numerous post graduation credits in varied areas such as The Montana Writing Project, classroom management, and pedagogy. Brain research as it applies to education, teaching writing, and art integration are passions of hers.
This energetic and innovative teacher pushes students to see themselves as professional, capable members of society, no matter their age, ethnicity, family history, or location. Her classroom expands beyond walls through field trips to museums, professional art shows, and educational tours within the states and abroad. If her students cannot leave the walls of the school, she brings the culture to them through guest speakers. She strengthens bonds with colleagues, parents, and the community by including them in educational travel and field trips and by teaching art integration, writing, and adult education classes in the summer. She also collaborates with students, teachers, and community members to annually host the Power Community Art Show. She is an integral part of Power Schools, as well as the community.
- Dawn Sievers teaches English 7th grade, Spanish 7th - 12th grades, and Art 7th -12th grades at Power Schools in Power, Montana. In the past her eclectic subject selection also included English 6th, Spanish 4-6th, and academic intervention assistance. Working with other teachers and parents, she also spends countless hours tutoring after school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, major (6-12), Spanish, minor (k-12), and art, teaching minor (k-12) at the University of Great Falls, currently known as the University of Providence. In addition, she has numerous post graduation credits in varied areas such as The Montana Writing Project, classroom management, and pedagogy. Brain research as it applies to education, teaching writing, and art integration are passions of hers.
- Seth Coombe: 2025 MACSS Rural Teacher of the Year
- Seth Coombe is an accomplished educator, community leader, and devoted mother and grandmother with a passion for service and lifelong learning. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting both her family and her community while excelling in her career.
Growing up, Seth was actively involved in a variety of clubs and service projects during her high school years, and she graduated with honors. Her dedication to academics carried over into her college years, where she met her husband, Michael, at an orientation at Mt. Tech. After a year at Mt. Tech, she transferred to the University of Montana Western, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in education, specializing in reading. Throughout her academic journey, Seth’s dedication to excellence was clear, and she later went on to complete a minor in Special Education while teaching.
Seth’s professional career spans nearly two decades, having taught for 19 years in both special education and general education. For eight years, she worked in Special Education, and for the past 11 years, she has taught kindergarten students. In addition to her classroom work, Seth has served as the supervising teacher at Cardwell School for the past 11 years, shaping the next generation of educators.
Her commitment to her community is equally evident. Over the years, Seth has contributed her time and talents to a variety of local programs and organizations. She has coached and served on the board of the Whitehall Baseball and Soccer Leagues, ran the flag football program, and worked as a district organizer for the Exchange Student Program in her area.
Seth’s personal life is just as rich and fulfilling as her professional endeavors. She and her husband, Michael, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of four children: Frank (28), Avrey (20), Gavyn (15), and Emalynn (13). In addition to her role as a mother, Seth is a Bomma to two young grandsons, ages 4 and 2.
Through her career and her personal life, Seth Coombe exemplifies the values of hard work, dedication, and service to others. Her lifelong commitment to education and community has made a lasting impact on everyone she meets.
- Seth Coombe is an accomplished educator, community leader, and devoted mother and grandmother with a passion for service and lifelong learning. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting both her family and her community while excelling in her career.
- Erin Lipkind: 2025 MACSS County Superintendent of the Year
- Dr. Erin Lipkind serves as the elected Missoula County Superintendent of Schools, a position she has held for over 14 years. In this role, she provides leadership and oversight to rural school districts across the county, including direct support to Sunset, Swan Valley, and Woodman Schools, and advisory assistance to Potomac School. Her responsibilities include instructional leadership, administrative support, and library instruction and collection development. She served as the president of MACSS from 2020-2022.
Dr. Lipkind is also the Continuing Education Course Manager and Grants Financial Manager of the Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MT-PLC), where she also teaches courses in Indian Education for All (IEFA) integration and rural school leadership. She serves as the Library Standards Specialist for the Montana Small Schools Alliance, supporting rural educators statewide with curriculum development in library media and information literacy. Dr. Lipkind holds a B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Native American Studies, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. She is licensed in Montana as a K-8 teacher, K-12 reading specialist, K-12 library media specialist, and K-12 principal and superintendent.
Erin lives in Missoula with her partner Jack and 14 year old daughter Gillian, who will be a freshman at Sentinel High School. She is also mother to Ari Moshe, aged 31, a resident of Vienna, Austria and an early childhood educator. Originally from Montana, where she was born and Hawaii, where she was raised, Erin maintains strong ties to both Montana and the islands, traveling frequently between the two. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, gardening, and—true to her librarian roots—reading.
- Dr. Erin Lipkind serves as the elected Missoula County Superintendent of Schools, a position she has held for over 14 years. In this role, she provides leadership and oversight to rural school districts across the county, including direct support to Sunset, Swan Valley, and Woodman Schools, and advisory assistance to Potomac School. Her responsibilities include instructional leadership, administrative support, and library instruction and collection development. She served as the president of MACSS from 2020-2022.
- Nicholas Axelberg: 2025 META Technologist of the Year
- Nicholas recently made Miles City, Montana his home in 2021, where he initially embraced the local job market by taking the first two positions offered: pizza delivery and high school custodial work. After six months, it occurred to him that his Information Technology degree and 15 years of experience might be more valuable assets than his ability to mop gymnasium floors. When he learned the school district needed IT staff, he brushed up on his interview skills (thanks, "Good Will Hunting") and landed the position, leaving his recently begun career as a custodian behind.
As the district's sole technology professional, Nicholas supports over 200 staff members and 1,400 students across nine facilities. He has focused on strengthening network security and reducing costs wherever possible, proving that one determined person can indeed manage an operation of this scope—though he wouldn’t recommend it.
Outside of his demanding professional role, Nicholas operates his woodworking business Montana Mitered Touch, LLC, and pursues an ever-expanding collection of hobbies. Whether he's fishing Montana's waters, kayaking, reading, or tackling home improvement projects, he approaches each new interest with enthusiasm. His continuing mission is practicing the art of collecting hobbies, from stained glass to custom fishing rod building and everything in between.
- Nicholas recently made Miles City, Montana his home in 2021, where he initially embraced the local job market by taking the first two positions offered: pizza delivery and high school custodial work. After six months, it occurred to him that his Information Technology degree and 15 years of experience might be more valuable assets than his ability to mop gymnasium floors. When he learned the school district needed IT staff, he brushed up on his interview skills (thanks, "Good Will Hunting") and landed the position, leaving his recently begun career as a custodian behind.
- Meghan Brown: 2025 META Empowered Superintendent of the Year
- Meghan Brown just wrapped up her 23rd year as an educator, 11 of those years as a high school English Language Arts teacher and the last 12 as an educational leader. Meghan graduated from Custer County District High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. During her time at Concordia, she sang in the Concordia Choir touring the East coast, Southwestern United States, and Scandinavia. During her years in the classroom, Meghan was twice honored with the Northern Interscholastic Press Association’s Advisor of the Year for her work with school publications. Meghan received her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 2012. Meghan returned to her hometown of Miles City in the summer of 2020 with her husband Mark and three daughters Ellie, Greta, and Audrey. She was selected as the Southeastern Superintendent of the Year in 2024, and is starting her second year as President for the Southeastern MASS region. In her free time she enjoys training for marathons, riding gravel bike, singing, and cheering for the NDSU Bison.
- Mikenna Williams: 2025 MCASE General Educator of the Year
- My name is Mikenna Williams and I just finished my second year of teaching! I graduated from the University of Montana- Go Griz!! I am blessed with a spunky daughter- Blayke who is 1 1/2 and a beautiful bonus daughter- Georgia who is 5! I love spending time with my family outside just enjoying these chaotic years. I am so blessed to have been nominated and granted this amazing award. I am truly surrounded by the best mentors and colleagues!
- Randi Rains: 2025 MCASE Special Educator of the Year
- Randi Rains is a mom, wife, educator, advocate, and leader who believes in making the world a better place—one act of kindness at a time. Randi has been an educator for 15 years, teaching all levels from Preschool to High School. She currently serves as the Resource 2 teacher for Great Falls Public Schools, where she is also the Department Chair and the Student Services Support Coordinator for her building.
Randi’s colleagues describe her as patient, kind, deeply committed to her students, and a quiet, yet powerful leader. She firmly believes that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of ability, and she consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. Her passion for inclusive education and her servant-hearted leadership have made a lasting impact on her school community.
- Randi Rains is a mom, wife, educator, advocate, and leader who believes in making the world a better place—one act of kindness at a time. Randi has been an educator for 15 years, teaching all levels from Preschool to High School. She currently serves as the Resource 2 teacher for Great Falls Public Schools, where she is also the Department Chair and the Student Services Support Coordinator for her building.
- Brendan Brown: 2025 MCASE Special Education Director of the Year
- Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Brendan Brown is a committed educator and community advocate with lifelong ties to the region. A proud graduate of Hellgate Elementary and the University of Montana, he holds degrees in Journalism, Special Education, and a Master’s in
Educational Leadership.
Brendan currently serves as the Director of Special Services at Hellgate Elementary, where he oversees federally funded programs and leads a dedicated team of educators and support staff. His previous experience as a special education teacher at Hellgate Elementary helped shape
his student-centered approach, emphasizing inclusivity, relationship-building, and academic growth for all learners.
In addition to his educational leadership, Brendan spent eight years as the pitching coach for the Missoula Mavericks, where he was able to share his passion for baseball and help young athletes grow in both skill and confidence. His coaching style mirrors his educational philosophy—focused on development, mentorship, and fostering self-belief.
Deeply involved in his community, Brendan has spent nearly a decade supporting adults with developmental disabilities in vocational settings. He currently serves as Vice Chair of The Arch, a nonprofit committed to disability advocacy, and has also coached Special Olympics, further
reflecting his passion for inclusion and mentorship.
Through every role, Brendan remains dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the broader community.
- Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Brendan Brown is a committed educator and community advocate with lifelong ties to the region. A proud graduate of Hellgate Elementary and the University of Montana, he holds degrees in Journalism, Special Education, and a Master’s in
- Jamie Courville: 2025 MAEMSP National Distinguished Principal
- Jamie Courville is a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience in K–12 education, specializing in school administration, student support, and curriculum development. Currently serving as the Principal of Hellgate Elementary School in Missoula, Montana since 2013, Jamie has led initiatives that promote academic excellence, student well-being, and inclusive leadership practices.
A proud graduate of the University of Montana, Jamie holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (University of Montana) and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from Western Montana College. He is licensed in both teaching and administration, with endorsements in K–12 Physical Education and History for grades 5–12.
Before joining Hellgate, Jamie held leadership roles across Montana, including Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Havre Middle School and Principal at Rocky Boy Jr./Sr. High School. Early in his career, he served as Dean of Students and Native American Studies teacher in Ronan, where he also advised student council and coached athletics.
A dedicated advocate for student growth and equity, Jamie has contributed to the broader educational community through service on the Salish Kootenai College Board of Directors (2015–2023) and a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. In 2025, he was honored as the National Distinguished Principal of Montana, recognizing a career devoted to fostering safe, effective, and inspiring learning environments.
- Jamie Courville is a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience in K–12 education, specializing in school administration, student support, and curriculum development. Currently serving as the Principal of Hellgate Elementary School in Missoula, Montana since 2013, Jamie has led initiatives that promote academic excellence, student well-being, and inclusive leadership practices.
- Kari McKay: 2025 MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year
- Kari McKay is in her 10th year as an assistant principal for Browning Public Schools on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation; 2 years in the elementary and 8 years in secondary. With a total of 26 years of experience in education as a GEAR UP Specialist and a school counselor, she has worked hard to hone her organizational, planning, counseling, and problem-solving skills which have become extremely beneficial when working with students, staff, and families. Ms. McKay has been instrumental in creating frameworks for teacher expectations, classroom management, welcoming environments, emergency planning, advisory curriculum and the development of MTSS for Browning Elementary and High School. She consistently maintains a positive attitude, fosters a collaborative environment, and demonstrates strong communication skills that make her an invaluable member of any team. She acknowledges the amazing students and staff at Browning Public Schools for their phenomenal support of her; “I wouldn’t be who or where I am today if it weren’t for all of my kids (students)!”
- Erica Schnee: 2025 MASSP Principal of the Year
- Erica Schnee has been an educator for over 27 years. After graduating from Montana State, Erica began her teaching career as a social studies teacher in the Denver metro area. Upon returning to Bozeman in 2006, Erica taught social studies and served as an assistant principal at Bozeman High School, where she was honored as the Montana Assistant Principal of the Year in 2018. Erica has served as principal of Gallatin High School since it opened in the fall of 2020. During her time at Gallatin High, Erica has prioritized community, culture, and student well-being. Her open-door policy and mentorship have had a significant impact on staff development and student learning.
- Joel Graves: 2024 MASS Superintendent of the Year
- Joel Graves, the 2024 Superintendent of the Year for the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS), has dedicated nearly two decades to educational leadership in Northwest Montana. He has served the Eureka community for 18 years—15 as Principal of Lincoln County High School and the past three as Superintendent of Eureka Public Schools.
In 2019, Joel was recognized as the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Principal of the Year. He has since served as president of both MASSP and MASS. A strong advocate for the role of the School Administrators of Montana (SAM), Joel takes great pride in his contributions to the organization and to the broader educational community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joel is a devoted husband to his wife of 26 years, Leslie. Together, they’ve raised three children—Jordyn, Garrett, and Maggie—and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren. An avid team roper and passionate bowhunter, Joel embraces Montana’s outdoor lifestyle and embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and community.
- Joel Graves, the 2024 Superintendent of the Year for the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS), has dedicated nearly two decades to educational leadership in Northwest Montana. He has served the Eureka community for 18 years—15 as Principal of Lincoln County High School and the past three as Superintendent of Eureka Public Schools.
- Jim Baldwin: 2024 SAM G.V. Erickson Award
- Jim Baldwin is a veteran educator and school administrator with nearly five decades of experience in educational leadership and teaching. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Broadfield Health and Physical Education with Elementary Education from Minot State University.
Jim has served as superintendent in numerous school districts across Montana and Washington since 1994. His most recent positions include Interim Superintendent roles at Twin Bridges, Gardiner, Choteau, and North Star Public Schools, following his long-term role as Superintendent at Arlee Schools beginning in 2018. Over his career, he has also led school districts in Poplar, St. John (WA), Alberton, Melstone, Roy, and Wolf Point, contributing not only as an administrator but also as an athletic director and educator.
Jim is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the Montana Association of School Superintendents, the National Association of School Superintendents, and the Montana Coaches Association, where he has maintained membership for over 45 years. His leadership has earned him multiple honors, including the 2024 GV Erickson Award, the 2011 Regional Superintendent of the Year by the Western MASS, the 2002 State Athletic Director of the Year, and the 1987 Class B Basketball Coach of the Year - an award he was nominated for six times.
Beyond his professional commitments, Jim is extensively involved in community service through organizations such as the Lions Club, BPOE (Elks), and his local church. He has been married to his wife Carol for 49 years and is a proud father to Cory and Kendal.
- Jim Baldwin is a veteran educator and school administrator with nearly five decades of experience in educational leadership and teaching. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Broadfield Health and Physical Education with Elementary Education from Minot State University.