Superintendent of Star City Schools Dr. Richard Montgomery received the highest honor given to administrators – the PLTW National Administrator of the Year – Wednesday at Project Lead The Way’s (PLTW) PLTW Summit 2016.
Montgomery was recognized in front of more than 1,800 attendees, including teachers from across the United States. PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vince Bertram and Senior Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer Dave Dimmett presented the award.
“PLTW proudly recognizes and celebrates Dr. Montgomery’s tremendous vision and leadership,” Dimmett said. “Through the important role of school superintendent, he and his team are expanding access to high-quality, relevant learning experiences for all students while preparing them for a lifetime of opportunity."
Montgomery has served as superintendent for more than 20 years and currently leads the first K-12 PLTW district in Arkansas. In 2011, he worked with community members on an initiative focused on high levels of learning and led the district’s integration of Advanced Placement and PLTW. As a result, 82 percent of the district’s students are involved in PLTW, and the number of high school students engaged in AP has increased by 584 percent.
PLTW Summit 2016, held March 20-23 in Indianapolis, is the premier gathering of passionate and committed individuals who work together every day to empower students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an evolving world. More than 1,800 attendees — from students to those in the education, government and business sectors — are convening to share strategies for making classroom learning relevant, engaging and hands-on.