Mike was born in Kansas and raised in Colorado. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and his Master’s degree from the University of Colorado.
Mike is a veteran educator with more than 36 years of experience and has dedicated his life’s work to students.
Poore has been recognized as a leader in creating post-secondary career options for students, having spearheaded collaborative initiatives to improve student quality of life and enhance career opportunities, especially for underserved students. He has served in many top administrative roles including superintendent of Sheridan School District in Colorado and Bentonville Public Schools in Arkansas where under his leadership, Don Roberts Elementary earned a National Blue Ribbon School distinction. While at Bentonville, the district was recognized for excellence in education and received 1.2 million in reward money from the Arkansas School Recognition Program.
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement