Former Greenville superintendent named finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award
Gorham School District Superintendent Heather Perry has been named one of four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award, an outstanding achievement recognizing the leadership, professionalism, communication and community involvement of school leaders from across the country.
In October the Maine School Superintendents Association named Perry the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year, in recognition of her efforts to boost student achievement, address Maine’s educator shortage and work together with businesses to expand career aspirations.
Perry was announced as one of four finalists for the national award. A Maine superintendent has never been a finalist for the award since it was launched in 1988.
“We are beyond thrilled that Heather Perry has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of The Year,” said Eileen King, the executive director of the Maine School Superintendents Association. “Heather is a true beacon of educational leadership, and I am so pleased that she is being recognized on the national level for her extraordinary commitment to students and families in Gorham and our state. Heather is a role model, a problem-solver, a collaborator and a steadfast advocate for public education.”
For the past decade Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District. Under Perry’s leadership, the district has prioritized reaching every student – especially those who’ve been traditionally underserved. The district has partnered with businesses and community organizations to expand career pathways and aspirations, leading to skyrocketing student enrollment in internships, career mentorships and career and technical education programming. The district now boasts a graduation rate of more than 96%.
“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Perry said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, staff, families, and community in Gorham. Public education is a true team effort, and I am proud to serve alongside educators and leaders who are so deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child.”
Perry has also played a visionary role in helping address the workforce shortage affecting schools across Maine. In 2022 Gorham piloted a groundbreaking educator apprenticeship program designed to recruit and retain school staff and help them advance in their careers through a combination of coursework and on-the-job training. The program has since expanded to dozens more districts in Maine.
Before serving in Gorham, Perry worked as a teacher and administrator in the Machias area and superintendent in RSU 3 and the Greenville School Department.
Perry currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Maine School Superintendents Association and previously served on the executive committee for AASA (The School Superintendents Association). Perry is also a respected voice on school leadership, and her published pieces on the subject are regularly featured by AASA.
The National Superintendent of the Year Award will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, Feb. 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Maine School Superintendents Association advocates for, represents and provides professional development for superintendents across Maine, with a purpose of leading for equity, excellence and opportunity for all Maine students.