The Maine School Superintendents Association named USM alumna Heather Perry Maine’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year, in recognition of her commitment to expand student aspirations and address Maine’s education workforce challenges.
Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District for the past 10 years, overseeing transformational changes in student success and post-secondary opportunities. She’s also credited with playing a pivotal role in helping to address the workforce shortages affecting schools across Maine, piloting a groundbreaking apprenticeship program in 2022 that has since expanded to dozens more districts.
Perry started her educational career as a teacher and principal in the Machias area. She earned her Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Southern Maine in 2020.
Perry was presented the award at the MSSA Annual Meeting on Wednesday October 22 at the Augusta Civic Center.