Superintendent of the Year

The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) has named Dan Polta, Superintendent of the Denali Borough School District, the 2025 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.

Polta has served as Superintendent of the Denali Borough School District since the 2015-2016 school year. He currently serves on the ASA Board as the Director of Region B.

Superintendent Polta has provided the Denali Borough School District with a deep commitment to student learning and building relationships with his staff, school board, and the communities the district serves.

Superintendent Polta led the development of a place-conscious learning model for the district called Denali Learning to help define what personalized learning meant to the district's learning community and respond to the students they serve. The model uses research-based approaches and educator expertise. Karen Martin, Director of Learning and Instruction for the DBSD, said the development of Denali Learning is for a rural school district with limited capacity, "this is a remarkable accomplishment by a learning leader."

Retired Superintendent John Holst shared that one of Superintendent Polta's strengths is communication. "Dan's outstanding communication has translated well with parents and community members," Holst said. He added, "When district-wide communication with parents has been necessary, Dan always did a masterful job of keeping everyone informed."

Chris Noel, Denali Borough Mayor, said, "Dan has not only served as a reliable partner to the borough but also as a visionary leader for the district." Mayor Noel shared that Polta regularly attends assembly meetings to report on the activities of the school district, and together, the borough and assembly have been able to complete school facility upgrades to better serve students and the community at large. "Dan's long tenure with the district has created a level of trust and consistency that is so valuable for our community," Mayor Noel said.

DEED Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop congratulated Superintendent Polta on his recognition, saying, "He is one of a kind with his innovative approach, tireless work ethic, and genuine care for every student and staff member. Despite leading a small district in Alaska, Dan’s influence extends far beyond his own community. He generously shares his expertise and support with other districts facing similar challenges, embodying a spirit of collaboration and service. The Department is deeply grateful for his leadership and proud to have him represent Alaska’s superintendents.”

Superintendent Polta will be honored at September's Alaska Superintendents Association Fall Conference and at the School Superintendent Association 2025 AASA National Conference on Education in March. In addition, he will be representing Alaska for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year.

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.