According to a press release from the office of State Senator Stacy Brenner, on March 18, Senator Brenner, D-Scarborough, presented a legislative sentiment to Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry recognizing her selection as the 2025 Maine Superintendent of the Year. This year, Perry also became the first Mainer to be named a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year since the award’s inception in 1988.
“In her decade of service to the Gorham schools, Heather has proven herself time and time again to be an enormous asset to students, families, teachers and staff alike,” said Senator Brenner. “She sets the tone for school leaders not just in Maine but across the country. I have no doubt that the Gorham community is all the better off for her thoughtful leadership, tireless dedication and deep commitment to fostering children’s growth within and beyond the classroom as young leaders, critical thinkers and engaged citizens.”
In her 10 years with the Gorham School District, Superintendent Perry has spearheaded transformative efforts to increase students’ access to postsecondary and professional opportunities. Under her leadership, the district revamped its alternative education programming and significantly expanded student participation in internships, mentorships and career and technical education. She built partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to deepen students’ exposure to career pathways beginning as early as kindergarten. These efforts have contributed to a climbing graduation rate now exceeding 96 percent.
Her commitment to teachers runs just as deep. “As a current principal and Gorham School employee for 27 years, I still have the same energy and enthusiasm due to Heather’s leadership,” said Great Falls Elementary Principal Becky Fortier. “She continues to inspire us all to do our best work.”
Heather has been a steady leader in advancing innovative solutions to the education workforce challenges weighing on so many communities across the country. She helped to launch the state’s first educator apprenticeship initiative in Gorham, now the model for similar programs in dozens of districts statewide, to improve staff recruitment, retention and career advancement through coursework and on-the-job training.