MASS Awards
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 2024-25 Montana Superintendent of the Year will be announced during MCEL 2024, recognized during the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference on Education in March 2025, and will go on to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year.
2024-25 MASS Regional Superintendents of the Year
- Western Region – Steve Love, Charlo School District
- North West Region – Joel Graves, Eureka School District
- North Central Region – Tyler Bucklin, Sunburst School District
- North East Region – Rob Pedersen, Plentywood School District
- 4 Rivers Region – Brian Ayers, Manhattan School District
- South Central Region – Drea O'Donnell, Shepherd School District
- Central Region – Lindsey Seitz, Geyser School District
- South East Region – Annie Begger, Wibaux School District
- Hi-Line Region – Jeremy MacDonald, Box Elder School District
2024-25 Montana Superintendent of the Year, Mr. Joel Graves
Joel Graves has dedicated over 25 years to serving students and schools across Montana and the western United States. He is currently in his second year as superintendent of Eureka Public Schools, following 15 successful years as principal of Lincoln County High School in Eureka, his hometown. Graves has also demonstrated extensive leadership across the state, serving as the current president of the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and as a former president of the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). Graves was named Montana Principal of the Year in 2019.
Joel's journey as an educator began in 1996 in Pasco, Washington, teaching vocational education and history. He then spent a year teaching wood shop and computer-aided drafting on the Acoma Indian Reservation in New Laguna, New Mexico. He went on to work at the Anaconda Job Corps Center for eight years, first as a math teacher and then as principal. He earned a master's degree from Montana State University and a superintendent endorsement from the University of Montana.
In addition to his educational contributions, Graves has served on multiple boards, including the Lincoln Electric Cooperative and the Montana Digital Academy, where he has continued to advocate for education and community engagement. A former U.S. Army soldier who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, Graves remains active in his community and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Rob Watson, SAM Executive Director, stated, “Joel Graves exemplifies the qualities of a great leader. His commitment to fostering strong, supportive school communities and his dedication to his students and staff are a testament to his character and his passion for public education. We are proud to have him 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 in Montana’s school districts. Graves will represent Montana in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year competition, with the national winner announced during the AASA National Conference on Education in March 2025.
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 442-2510.
AASA National Conference on Education (NCE) Incentive Award - sponsored by MASS
The Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS) incentive award program is intended to provide a special opportunity for two (2) administrators to attend the AASA NCE for professional development.
Nominations are closed for the 2023-24 Conference Incentive Award
MASS School Board of the Year Award
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 of the Year may be submitted by any Montana Superintendent of Schools. A committee reviews the applications and selects up to two (2) Outstanding School Boards in Montana.