Laurie Barron has been named Montana’s Superintendent of the Year for a second time since joining Evergreen School District in 2013.

Barron was selected for the distinction by the Montana Association of School Superintendents based on four areas: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. 

“Dr. Barron exemplifies the Superintendent of the Year Award, demonstrating visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to students,” said Rob Watson, executive director of School Administrators of Montana. “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.” 

Barron was recognized for her leadership in Evergreen School District’s development of strong programs in early literacy, mental health and family engagement that have garnered 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,” a press release from the Montana Association of School Superintendents said. 

Regarding her efforts with health and family engagement, Barron oversaw the establishment of a school-based health clinic at East Evergreen Elementary, the Evergreen Cares Clinic, which offers affordable medical care to students and staff. Additionally, in 2023, the district created a family and community engagement liaison position. 

Barron was also recognized for leading 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, Barron has held leadership roles at the local, state and national level.   

She serves on the Executive Committee of The School Superintendents Association and has served as president of School Administrators of Montana, Montana Association of School Superintendents and the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents.  

Barron has co-authored several 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 to be released in 2026. 

Barron, who started her career in education 30 years ago as an English teacher, is a National Board Certified Teacher. She made the move to administration in 2002, starting out as a school principal and went on to receive AASA National Superintendent Certification. In a 2020 Daily Inter Lake article, she said it was another administrator who saw her leadership potential and convinced her to take that initial principal position that changed the trajectory of her career. 

Barron was honored with the Montana Superintendent of the Year award at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership held Oct. 15-17 in Helena. 

“What a surprise and incredible honor to be able to represent the Evergreen School District and some of the outstanding work of superintendents across the state of Montana,” Barron said in an email to the Daily Inter Lake. “I am deeply grateful to the Evergreen School District board of trustees, staff, students and community, as this honor reflects so much of their dedication and hard work.”   

She also expressed gratitude to the association and the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents for their “continued support and collaboration.”   

“I am so thankful to be in the place I love, with the people I love, doing the work I love,” she said. 

To be considered for the state honor, Barron was first nominated and selected as superintendent of the year at the regional level. Superintendents in nine regions were considered for the top honor. She will represent Montana at the AASA National Conference on Education in February 2026, where the AASA National Superintendent of the Year will be announced. 

Barron's other accolades include the 2013 National Middle School Principal of the Year, the 2018 G.V. Erickson Award, the 2019 Montana Empowered Superintendent of the Year, and the 2022 University of Georgia Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. 

THE MONTANA Association of School Superintendents also recognized three Honor School Boards of the Year, which included Polson School District. 

School board trustees are: Chair Chanel Lake, Vice Chair Alan Anderson, Tim McGinnis, Shane Orien, Nathaniel Netzer, Joanna Browning, Devon Cox and Kathleen Collins.

The honor recognizes outstanding school boards for trustees’ exceptional service to students and their accomplishments in the areas of board policy, infrastructure for learning, and teaching and innovative educational programs, "exemplifying the spirit of visionary leadership and dedication to student success across Montana.” 

Nominated by Polson School District Superintendent Andy Fors, the school board’s focus on student success, equity and community partnerships set a powerful example for districts across the state, according to the Montana Association of School Superintendents.  

In 2023, the board led the successful passage of a $40 million bond that will affect every school building in the district and expand career and technical education opportunities for students. In addition, the launch of the Very Important Pirate program celebrates students and families in meaningful ways that strengthen community pride and engagement. 

Browning and Lavina school boards also received the honor. 

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].