School Administrators of Montana

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

Mr. Rick Duncan, Superintendent at Powell County High School/Deer Lodge Elementary School Districts, was selected as the 2023-24 Montana Superintendent of the Year and honored for his outstanding dedication to education and exemplary leadership in the community at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership (MCEL) held on October 18-20, 2023 in Billings. The award is sponsored by the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS).

Mr. Duncan graduated from Great Falls Public Schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Montana in 1979. Following graduation, he accepted an opportunity to participate in a unique ethnographic study living with the Maxuci tribe in the Amazon Rainforest.  In 1981, he earned a Broadfield Social Studies endorsement from the University of Montana and taught in Plains for several years. Mr. Duncan went on to teach in California, Wyoming, and Montana. He began his administrator career as an activities director and principal in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  In 2001, he returned to Montana, where he accepted the position of principal and later superintendent at the Powell County High School District, a role he currently holds. For the last two years, Mr. Duncan has also served as the superintendent of the Deer Lodge Elementary School District.

Throughout his career, Mr. Duncan has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service and professional growth. He has actively participated on various educational and community-oriented boards, establishing himself as an influential figure in education in Montana.

Mr. Duncan was chosen as the 4-Rivers MASS Regional Superintendent of the Year in 2013 and was the recipient of the School Administrators of Montana (SAM G.V. Erickson Award in 2015.  He has served as President of both MASS and the SAM and has served as the SAM Delegate Assembly Steering Committee Chair for many years.  Mr. Duncan has served as a coach/mentor in the SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program for the past five years, mentoring new and experienced school administrators throughout Montana. He has also played a vital role in advocating for public education by representing SAM's interests during the past three legislative sessions.

Mr. Duncan's philosophy centers on fostering an inspiring educational environment for all children. He is known for leading by example, forging strong community bonds, and motivating students and educators alike to achieve greater levels of success.

Dr. Rob Watson, Executive Director at School Administrators of Montana (SAM), stated, Superintendent Duncan has spent his entire career serving the needs of kids and communities. His professionalism and experience has helped to define him as a wonderful leader, not only in his community, but also the entire state. We are excited to have Rick represent Montana as our Superintendent of the Year in the national competition.

The Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS), in collaboration with AASA - The School Superintendents Association, annually recognizes and rewards the outstanding leadership of school superintendents. 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 possible.  Candidates for both the Montana and the National Superintendent of the Year are measured by the following criteria:  Leadership for learning, Communication, Professionalism, and Community involvement.

Now in its 37th year, the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools. This program is sponsored by First Student, Corebridge Financial, and AASA.  Mr. Duncan will be recognized during the AASA National Conference on Education in February 2024 and will go on to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year.


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, Kimberly 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.