Superintendents and educational leaders from across Maine were recognized by their peers for their extraordinary leadership, initiative, and dedication to Maine students.
The 2025 Outstanding Leadership Awards, presented by the Maine School Superintendents Association, recognize school leaders who demonstrate the best in education from all corners of the state. This year’s awards were presented to:
MSAD 17 Superintendent Heather Manchester (Nominated by Western Maine Superintendents)
In addition to serving as a key voice on legislative matters, Manchester has collaborated with local nonprofits, including Healthy Oxford Hills and the Western Foothills Land Trust, to develop robust outdoor learning opportunities for students across the district. Manchester has also prioritized transparency, compassion and strength in developing close relationships with local communities.
St. George Municipal School District Superintendent Mike Felton (Nominated by Mid-Coast Region Superintendents)
Felton has played a key role in revitalizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) within his district through close partnership with business and community partners. Felton has served as the guiding force in re-establishing CTE in the region after a 14-year hiatus, and raising more than $4 million to develop a PreK-12 CTE program and curriculum, representing a true triumph of educational leadership and educational excellence. Beginning later this year, Felton will step down as superintendent to serve as the executive director of the St. George Community Development Corporation.
MSAD 51 Superintendent Jeffrey Porter (Nominated by Cumberland County Superintendents)
Porter was recognized for his leadership in protecting the rights and well-being of all students. Even in the face of challenges, he was able to lead with calm, courage, and professionalism. Porter also serves as the chair of MSSA’s Ethics Committee, where he provides thoughtful counsel to other superintendents as they work through situations in their own communities. Porter is widely recognized for his empathy and integrity.
MSAD 54 Superintendent Jonathan Moody (Nominated by Kennebec Valley Superintendents)
Moody has served as a key educational leader on both the local and state levels, where he has pioneered new strategies to improve student performance and advocated for improvements to statewide educational policy. As MSSA’s liaison to the State Board of Education, Moody has helped to advocate for local districts in conversations regarding student transfers and teacher certification. He has also led transformative work within his own district, including expansion of the Somerset Career and Technical Center and development of a new elementary school that, through community partnerships, will provide early childhood programming to children as young as 6 weeks old.
MSSA also presented its 2025 Distinguished Service to Education Award to Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) President Craig Larrabee. Under his leadership, JMG has expanded its programming, helping to increase graduation rates, build clear career pathways, and embed leadership development and community service into every student’s experience.
“These awards highlight the truly transformative work of educational leaders across all of Maine,” said Maine School Superintendents Association President Eileen King. “Their leadership within their communities and statewide is directly leading to better results for children: safer schools, improved academic results, and increased pathways to meaningful careers. These awards represent only a few of the myriad ways that our superintendents, staff, and communities are working together to support public education.”
The superintendents were recognized at the Maine Department of Education’s Annual Commissioner’s Conference, held June 23rd and 24th in Bar Harbor.
