Parman receives G.V. Erickson Award from School Administrators of Montana

Former Havre administrator and Superintendent Dennis Parman was awarded the 2023 G.V. Erickson Award by School Administrators of Montana, SAM announced in a press release.

"Mr. Parman has a long and successful career as a Montana educator," SAM Executive Director Rob Watson said in the release. "With his varied experience, his institutional knowledge is unmatched. Mr. Parman has approached each of his roles with professionalism and kindness. We are excited to have the opportunity to honor Dennis with this award, the highest award we give at SAM."

Parman received the distinguished honor at the annual Montana Conference of Education Leadership held Oct. 18-20, presented by Director of Great Divide Education Services and President of SAM Sara Novak. The award, the most prestigious award a Montana school administrator can receive, is given to a SAM member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the advancement and betterment of public education in Montana

The award is named in honor of Mr. G.V. Erickson, a school administrator who dedicated his career and life to education and the children of Montana.

Parman has been a driving force in education since 1981, leaving an indelible mark as a teacher, principal, superintendent and advocate. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has distinguished himself as a highly respected pillar of Montana public education.

Parman's remarkable career in education, from teacher to superintendent, to his role as deputy superintendent at the Montana Office of Public Instruction and executive director of the Montana Rural Education Association, has made him one of the most influential figures in Montana's public education landscape. His ability to build relationships, inspire collaboration, and achieve tangible results underscores his immense value to the organizations he has served.

"Parman is an outstanding educator with a vast understanding of school curriculum, educational opportunities, operations, policy development, child development, and the role higher education plays in preparing education leaders," the release said. "While serving as the deputy superintendent at the OPI, Mr. Parman was instrumental in facilitating the review and modernization of accreditation standards and educator licensure.

"Parman is well-known in the education community for his outstanding ability to analyze data and implement research-based strategies in compelling ways that influence action in the best interest of all students," it continues. "His ability to research and communicate state legislative and congressional actions connected to education has been outstanding and has enhanced Montana education. His leadership on both district and state levels has been instrumental in driving important initiatives forward. His commitment to public education has contributed to collaborative efforts that drive positive change."

At the conference, SAM presented Powell County High School/Deer Lodge Elementary School Districts Superintendent Rick Duncan with the the 2023-24 Montana Superintendent of the Year.