MASS Awards
AASA National Conference on Education (NCE) Incentive Award - sponsored by MASS (will open July 2026)
The Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS) incentive award program is intended to provide an opportunity for two (2) administrators to attend the AASA NCE for professional development.
MASS School Board of the Year: (will open July 2026)
The purpose of the award is to recognize and focus attention on the dedicated and ethical service rendered by school boards to the children of Montana. Nominations for the MASS School Board Awards may be submitted by any Montana Superintendent of Schools. The MASS Executive Board recommends that each of the nine regions submit a nomination. Two Outstanding School Boards in Montana may be chosen. The winners will be announced at the annual MCEL meeting in October. Follow this link to submit a nomination: MASS School Board of the Year Nomination Form
Superintendent of the Year
The Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS), in collaboration with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), annually recognizes and rewards outstanding leadership in the superintendency. This program seeks to honor those strong Montana school district leaders who work successfully with their entire learning communities to provide the highest quality education that is possible.
The 2025-26 Montana Superintendent of the Year will be announced during MCEL 2025, recognized during the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference on Education in February 2026, and will go on to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year.
2025-26 MASS Regional Superintendents of the Year
- Western Region – Robert DoBell
- North West Region – Laurie Barron, Evergreen School District
- North Central Region – Elliott Crump, Shelby School District
- North East Region – Darin Hannum, Bainville School District
- 4 Rivers Region – Casey Bertram, Bozeman School District
- South Central Region – Matt Torix, Laurel School District
- Central Region – Hugo Anderson, Hobson School District
- South East Region – Leland Stocker, St. Labre Indian Catholic School District
- Hi-Line Region – James Russell, North Star School District
2025-26 Montana Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Laurie Barron Named 2025–26 Montana Superintendent of the Year
The Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS) is proud to announce that Dr. Laurie Barron, Superintendent of Evergreen School District in Kalispell, has been selected as the 2025-26 Montana Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Barron was recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to public education at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership (MCEL), held October 15-17 in Helena.
Dr. Barron has served as superintendent of Evergreen School District since 2013 and brings over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Under her leadership, Evergreen has become a model of inclusive education, community partnership, and innovation in student support. Her district has developed strong programs in early literacy, mental health, and family engagement—many of which have gained statewide recognition and influenced legislative change.
A tireless advocate for equitable access and early childhood education, Dr. Barron played a key role in shaping Montana’s early literacy and preschool special education legislation during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions. She also oversaw the development of the Evergreen Cares Clinic, a school-based health center providing medical and behavioral health services to students and families, and led efforts to secure more than $2.8 million in grant funding to support student wellness, safety, and literacy initiatives.
A passionate champion of professional learning, Dr. Barron has held numerous leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of The School Superintendents Association (AASA), and has served as president of School Administrators of Montana (SAM), MASS, and the Northwest MASS. Her work as a mentor, speaker, and author continues to inspire educators across the country.
Dr. Barron’s long list of honors reflects her deep impact on education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds an AASA National Superintendent Certification. Her accolades include the 2013 National Middle School Principal of the Year, the 2018 G.V. Erickson Award (SAM’s highest honor), the 2019 Montana Empowered Superintendent of the Year, and the 2022 University of Georgia Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Barron is also a published author and thought leader in middle-level education, co-authoring several influential books, including The Successful Middle School: A Place to Belong and Become and We Belong: 50 Strategies to Create Community and Revolutionize Classroom Management. Her most recent book, Expect! Engage! Empower! Three Paths to Powerful Learning, is expected in 2026.
“Dr. Barron exemplifies the Superintendent of the Year Award, demonstrating visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to students,” said Dr. Rob Watson, Executive Director of SAM. “Her advocacy for inclusion, early learning, and community engagement reflects the best of what Montana’s public education offers. Through her leadership, she has expanded opportunities and strengthened support for every child. We are proud to have Dr. Barron represent Montana at the national level.”
The MASS Superintendent of the Year Award is presented annually in collaboration with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, to recognize outstanding leadership among Montana’s superintendents. Dr. Barron will represent Montana at the AASA National Conference on Education in February 2026, where the AASA National Superintendent of the Year will be announced.
Past Montana Superintendents of the Year
Historical MASS Regional Superintendents of the Year
For more information on the awards available and the process, please contact Director of Professional Learning and Member Services, Kim Scofield at samks@sammt.org or by phone at 406-442-2510.