AUGUSTA — Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry’s first job in at a local school was as an educational technician in Washington County.

One of her students was a 13-year-old girl who had just given birth. She wanted to read to her little boy but had not yet learned how.

Perry worked with her for months until the young mother reached her goal.

“There’s nothing like that feeling of touching somebody else’s life in a positive way,” Perry said Wednesday shortly after being honored as the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Maine School Superintendents Association. “It’s quite addicting to be honest with you. It’s kind of like a little drug.” 

About 100 superintendents and assistant superintendents gathered in Augusta Wednesday for a fall conference where they honored Perry for her service alongside Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty of Old Town-based RSU 34.

Perry has served as a superintendent in the Gorham School District for 10 years, where she has led efforts to address the statewide teacher shortage.

Gorham served as a pilot site for an apprenticeship program designed to help people get teaching certifications more easily. It has since been adopted by dozens of districts.

During her time in Gorham, graduation rates are up and those who nominated her for the award recognized her for her leadership skills. 

“Heather is a truly devoted leader — one who serves as a role model and respected colleague to countless other superintendents,” Eileen King, who leads the superintendent’s association, said in a statement. “I’ve seen firsthand how her insight and generosity have supported educational leaders who regularly turn to her for guidance and inspiration.”

Doty, honored as the assistant superintendent of the year, has spent more than 25 years in the Old Town school district. He too was honored for working to bring more educators into the profession and for expanding access to science and technology programs for all students.

Through fundraising in the community, students now have access to many hands-on activities, including 3D printing, laser cutting and laser engraving.

“The creativity of the kids as they tinker with these devices is just amazing, what they come up with and what they create,” he said. 

Perry said that for most educators, the work is their life’s passion. While others look to unplug from a day at the office, teachers and school leaders are all in, all the time, she said.

“In most places when you talk about work life balance you don’t want your work to determine who you are,” she said. “But in education it’s the opposite. If you’re in it, you’re in it because it is who you are. It’s a part of who you are in your soul and in your heart to want to impact positively the lives of children.”