Tester, Walsh meet with Montana Principal of the Year

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh this week met with Montana’s 2014 Principal of the Year, Daniel Grabowska, formerly from Florence-Carlton High School, to commend his accomplishment and discuss the school’s success in improving academic achievement.

Grabowska told Tester, a former teacher, that his school’s success stems from integrating technology into classrooms as well as collaboration between students, teachers, and parents. Grabowska secured private sector funding to help bring thousands of dollars of technology into the classroom and meet the needs of 21st century students.

The Senators and Grabowska also discussed the challenges facing educators in Montana. Grabowska said getting technology into classrooms and finding enough high-quality teachers and administrators to serve students in small towns is important, but not always easy.

“Daniel is an innovative educator who supports students, teachers, and parents,” Tester said. “Community collaboration strengthens education and leads to students’ future success. I’ll be making sure that policies in Washington support the good work on the ground here in Montana.”

“Montana has quality schools and first-class students because of dedicated public servants like Mr. Grabowska,” Walsh said. “Mr. Grabowska’s emphasis on increasing technological opportunities in the classroom is essential for preparing our high school students for the 21st century economy.”

Grabowska is now the superintendent of Park City Schools. Grabowska has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Montana State University and has been an educator for more than 20 years. He helped develop the Montana Digital Academy, a partnership between the Montana University System and the Office of Public Instruction, to provide online access to academic courses that may not be offered in local high schools.

Each year the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) recognizes a principal from every state. In addition to meeting with Tester, Grabowska will be attending the State Principals of the Year Institute with principals from all 50 states.