Caribou High School Principal Jamie Selfridge is Maine’s newest principal of the year.
Selfridge earned the National Association of Secondary School Principals honor for her “unwavering dedication to Caribou High School and its students,” according to an announcement from the Maine Principals’ Association.
It’s the first time in more than 30 years that an Aroostook County principal has earned the honor. RSU 39 Superintendent Jane McCall arranged a special assembly Friday morning at the Caribou Performing Arts Center
The award is important because Selfridge will be a voice for school leaders throughout Maine, McCall said.
“For many reasons, we are very excited about this award,” she said Thursday. “It’s not only because she’s our principal, but it’s also a representation of many administrators throughout the state of Maine. She will be a great role model to represent the state of Maine.”
McCall invited students, faculty and staff to the assembly, but didn’t tell anyone what it was about, she said. The school was consumed with curiosity.
Holly Blair, executive director of the professional division for the Maine Principals’ Association, delivered the news onstage, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. McCall also spoke, and a student presented Selfridge with flowers.
Selfridge was in on the secret and struggled to keep things under wraps, she told the students.
Nominated in late fall by Assistant Principal Ben Goodwin, she engaged in an application and interview process that culminated this week when an awards team visited the school. She learned Wednesday night she’d been selected the winner.
The process made her realize that even though some days are hard, the successes — including recent musical performances and Vikings basketball headed for state championships — all happen because of the students and the team of faculty and staff behind them, she said.
“I was able to reflect on the fact that we have staff that show up every day for you. We have staff that go beyond the workday, beyond expectations to help you guys succeed,” Selfridge said. “And we have amazing students. When I was going through the process, it was very easy to brag about Caribou High School.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a graduate of Caribou High School, congratulated Selfridge.
“Principal Jamie Selfridge’s dedication to Caribou High School has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, teachers, and the local community,” Collins said in a statement. “I am especially proud to join the community in celebrating this well-earned recognition.”
Selfridge has been a strong advocate for rural schools through her role as a co-facilitator of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Rural Schools Network, Collins said.
Caribou has stemmed its population decline thanks to the efforts of teachers and administrators who allow students to thrive, she said.
Selfridge excels as a leader because she works to build relationships with students and staff, and doesn’t make decisions without seeking everyone’s perspective, McCall said Thursday.
She focuses on what’s best for the students, and that can be difficult because it may not always resonate with other people, McCall said. She also embraces the idea of lifelong learning.
“She is continuously learning and always striving to get better and learn more, so she can make sure what’s being offered at our high school is always forward thinking,” McCall said. “It’s good to have a leader that’s a role model, because learning is ongoing and it’s for life. It doesn’t just stop.”
Selfridge started her educational career in 2007, teaching at Fort Fairfield Middle/High School for 10 years, then serving as principal for five. She became Caribou’s principal in 2022.
Originally from Nova Scotia, she earned bachelor’s degrees from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in educational administration from St. Joseph’s College in Standish.
She has contributed to the Maine Math Collaborative and has served as a facilitator for the NASSP Rural School Leadership Network, according to MPA officials.
“Jamie Selfridge embodies the essence of an exceptional principal. She consistently goes above and beyond to advance learning — not just within her school, but also at the state and national levels,” Blair said in a press statement. “She is a tireless advocate for principalship and education, and above all, she is a champion for every student.”
The last time a northern Maine school official was named principal of the year was in 1991 when James Ugone, also of Caribou High School, earned the honor, according to the association’s listing.
Selfridge is still processing the fact she was selected, and said credit belongs to her colleagues and the students.
“When you get in the day-to-day grind, you lose sight of the great things,” she said after the ceremony. “We work well as a team and we have wonderful collaboration. I just think that it’s time for Caribou to shine and show the rest of the state of Maine what amazing things we do here.”
