Superintendent of the Year

The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) has named Taw Lindsey, Superintendent of the Annette Island School District, as the 2027 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.

Superintendent Lindsey has served as Superintendent of Annette Island School District since the 2019-2020 school year.

A deep commitment to education, service and the Annette Island community is how Superintendent Lindsey is described by his colleagues. “He is widely respected because he leads with integrity, compassion and authenticity,” said Gatgyeda Haayk, President of the Annette Island School District Board Education. “What impresses me most about Taw is his genuine passion for ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Superintendent Lindsey has a unique perspective as he has worked as the district’s facility manager, as a teacher and principal before taking on the role of superintendent. Mike Nigus, Principal of Metlakatla High School, shared that “Taw’s breadth of experience allows him to understand the challenges and responsibilities faced by employees at every level of an organization." He added, “Taw values the contributions of all staff members and leads with authenticity because he has personally walked in their shoes.”

Dr. Nicole Taylor, the district’s Director of Student Services, shared that being a leader in a rural school district can be complex and personal. She said, “Taw leads from within the community, not above it, embodying the district's mission, Sagayt k'üülm goot—All of One Heart.” This mission shines through in Superintendent Lindsey’s leadership in difficult situations. “He does not avoid disagreement or complex conversations. Instead, he continually brings the focus back to students, established processes, employee dignity, community partnership and our collective responsibility to one another,” Dr. Taylor said.

During his tenure as superintendent, Lindesey has adopted research-based curriculum and supported ongoing professional development for educators, leading to student growth. He has also strengthened career and technical education programs, growing the district’s scuba and rescue diver programs to support career pathways in commercial diving, local harvesting and mariculture.

Principal Nigus said, “Taw wears many hats and approaches every responsibility with humility, determination and commitment to service. His leadership exemplifies the best qualities of educational service in Alaska.”

“It has truly been an honor to serve alongside someone who demonstrates such dedication to students, staff and the community,” President Haayk said. “Taw’s humility, strong work with and servant leadership make him an exceptional superintendent and highly deserving of the Superintendent of the Year award.”

Dr. Randy Trani, ASA President and Superintendent of the Mat-Su School District, congratulated superintendent Lindsey saying, "Taw is a strong and respected veteran leader who has earned the trust of his colleagues across Alaska. He is someone superintendents know they can turn to. He is always willing to share his experience, lend a hand, or help find a solution. His dedication to Annette Island School District is evident in the career journey he has taken, serving the district in various roles before becoming superintendent." Dr. Trani added, "He has grown as a leader within the district and personally understands the people, challenges, and opportunities that make his community unique. Taw’s commitment to students, educators, and his community makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition."

Superintendent Lindsey will be formally honored at the Alaska Superintendents Association Fall Conference in September and at the AASA, National School Superintendents Association, 2027 National Conference on Education in February. He will represent Alaska in the 2027 National Superintendent of the Year program.