Superintendent of the Year

The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) has named Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent of the Mat-Su Borough School District, as the 2026 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Trani has served as Superintendent of the Mat-Su Borough School District since the 2020–2021 school year and currently serves on the ASA Board as President-Elect.

Widely recognized for his vision and commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Trani has earned praise from colleagues across the state and his district. Kathryn McCollum, President of the Mat-Su Borough School Board, said, "Dr. Trani's visionary goals have inspired significant improvements in student outcomes, graduation rates, AP production rates, and the development of a robust CTE program."

Jason Marvel, Principal of Wasilla High School, highlighted Dr. Trani’s inclusive leadership style. "Dr. Trani makes educators, students, and families feel valued and empowered," Marvel noted. Dr. Trani’s data-driven decision-making has led to significant positive outcomes for all students in the Mat-Su School District. "Dr. Trani's leadership has significantly increased access as well as academic achievement among minority and underserved populations of students."

Dr. Reese Everett, Associate Superintendent of the Mat-Su School District, echoed those sentiments. "Dr. Trani's unrelenting belief that all boats rise and fall on the same tide led us to increase graduation expectations for students." Dr. Everett added, "Although his leadership style is calm and collaborative, make no mistake, he is laser focused on our responsibility to provide students with a rigorous experience that equips them with the skills necessary to pursue any meaningful career when they leave our system."

President McCollum emphasized that Dr. Trani’s impact goes beyond administrative expertise. "Dr. Trani is a compassionate and approachable educator. Across our state and country, educational leaders are connecting with him to learn from his success."

Dr. Trani will be formally honored at the Alaska Superintendents Association Fall Conference in September and at the School Superintendents Association’s 2026 AASA National Conference on Education in February. He will represent Alaska in the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year program.

Each year, the Alaska Superintendent of the Year selection committee accepts nominations from school board members, parents, colleagues, community members and/or anyone who has personal knowledge of an Alaska superintendent’s performance and qualifications.