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North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) Superintendent Deb Henton was recently recognized by her peers with the MASA (Minnesota Association of School Administrators) District Leadership Award for region six. The award is given annually to a "school administrator who has undertaken significant initiatives or changes within their school district. Examples could include significant academic reforms and efforts, implementation of a new strategic initiative, excellence in conducting a bond or operating referendum, etc."

In nominating her for the award, Henton's colleagues cited her "courageous leadership," belief in " data driven decision making and collaboration," for "overcoming challenges," and her ability to add new programming despite reductions in resources each fiscal year. Said one colleague in the nomination process, "Dr. Henton has demonstrated great leadership skill during very challenging financial times...She is an outstanding school administrative leader." Others commended Henton for her role in bringing the four-day week and Q-Comp to NBAPS, as well as her role in the smooth SCRED (St. Croix River Education District) partnership transition.

"I am truly honored to have been given this prestigious award. Actually, it was an honor just to be nominated," said Henton. "Leading a school district, especially a district like North Branch Area Public Schools with all the challenges it has faced in recent years, is never easy. I am fortunate to have exceptional colleagues and a remarkably resilient staff, and all have shown great leadership on multiple occasions."

MASA region six is comprised of over 45 members, including Albany Area, Annandale, Becker, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Benton-Stearns, Big Lake, Braham, Buffalo, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes Area, Dassel-Cokato, East Central, Eden Valley-Watkins, Elk River Area, Foley, Freshwater, Hinckley-Finlayson, Holdingford, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Isle, Kimball, Litchfield, Maple Lake, MAWSECO, Melrose Area, Milaca, MN Department of Corrections, Monticello, Mora, North Branch Area, Ogilvie, Onamia, Paynesville, Pine City, Princeton, Rockford Area, Rocori, Rush City, Sartell-St. Stephen, Sauk Centre, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sherburne-N Wright, St. Cloud Area, St. Cloud State University, SCRED, St. Michael-Albertville, Upsala, and West Central.

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