In recognition of her commitment to expand student aspirations and address Maine’s education workforce challenges, Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry has been named Maine’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA).
For the past 10 years, Perry has served as the superintendent of the Gorham School District, where she has overseen transformational changes in boosting student success and post-secondary opportunities. Under her leadership, the district redesigned its alternative educational programming for high school students while boosting enrollment in student internships, mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE). Through its “Aspire Gorham” initiative, the district has collaborated with local businesses and community leaders to expose students to career exploration from kindergarten through 12th grade.
"Superintendent Perry's unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and tireless commitment to students, staff and the Gorham community exemplify the very best in educational excellence,” said Gorham School Committee Chair Nicole Yeo-Fisher. “This well-deserved recognition celebrates her exceptional work and lasting impact on our schools."
Perry has also played a pivotal role in helping address the workforce shortage affecting schools across the state. 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.
“Heather is a truly devoted leader – one who serves as a role model and respected colleague to countless other superintendents,” said MSSA Executive Director Eileen King. “The leadership we’ve admired—and benefited from—in Heather’s work has extended far beyond Maine. As a member of AASA’s Executive Committee and through her published pieces on leadership, she’s become a trusted voice for superintendents across the country. I’ve seen firsthand how her insight and generosity have supported educational leaders who regularly turn to her for guidance and inspiration.”
“Heather has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement,” said RSU 14 Superintendent Chris Howell, who also serves as the chair of the MSSA Action Committee.
“My school district has directly benefited from her innovative work with Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine in developing the Educational Apprenticeship program, which has provided an onramp and removed barriers for individuals interested in joining the educational profession,” Howell said. “This recognition is a testament to Heather's dedication to elevating the entire profession and strengthening our educational community.”
Perry began her educational career as a teacher and principal in the Machias area before serving as superintendent in the Greenville School Department and RSU 3. In 2019, Perry received a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Maine School Superintendents Association and recently ended her tenure on the executive committee for AASA (The School Superintendents Association).
Perry was presented with the award at the MSSA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd at the Augusta Civic Center.