Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell Honored with Idaho School Superintendents’ Association District Leadership Award

The Idaho School Superintendents’ Association (ISSA) has recognized Dr. Douglas Howell, Superintendent of Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 (PCSD 25), with the 2025 ISSA District Leadership Award. This distinguished honor acknowledges Dr. Howell’s more than thirty years of dedicated service to education in Pocatello/Chubbuck and his steadfast leadership since becoming Superintendent in 2016.

Dr. Howell was recognized in a room full of his leadership team, educational partners, family, and in front of the Board of Trustees at Tuesday’s regular board meeting—a testament to the deep respect he has earned among those he leads and serves. The award was formally presented by Scott Muir, Superintendent of Soda Springs School District and member of the Region 5 Superintendents, on behalf of the Idaho School Superintendents’ Association.

A lifelong Idahoan born and raised in Pocatello, Dr. Howell has dedicated his career to serving the community that shaped him. His leadership is marked by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on learner success.

When Highland High School suffered a devastating fire in April 2023, Dr. Howell led the district with resilience and transparency—guiding swift recovery efforts while ensuring fiscal responsibility. He pursued innovative funding solutions, deliberately avoiding additional burdens on local taxpayers. His steady leadership not only advanced the rebuilding process but also reinforced community trust by balancing urgent needs with long-term sustainability. Throughout the crisis, Dr. Howell united families, staff, and community partners around a shared vision of renewal.

"What makes Dr. Howell’s leadership so impactful is his ability to align vision with action," said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications. “Through our district’s Visible Learning journey, Dr. Howell has championed relationships, data-driven leadership, and collective efficacy. These principles have transformed how our educators teach and how our learners achieve. He has inspired us all to live out our promise that ‘You Belong Here,’ and this recognition is a reflection of his steady commitment to our staff, learners, and community.”

Dr. Howell has also been a driving force in expanding career and technical education in Southeast Idaho. With a forward-looking commitment to both learners and taxpayers, he secured the acquisition and development of the Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-TEC), a 100,000-square-foot facility funded through innovative financing and strategic partnerships. This fiscally responsible approach avoided new taxpayer debt while investing in the district’s future. PV-TEC is now poised to serve as a regional hub for hands-on training in high-demand industries—strengthening the local workforce and providing generations of learners with pathways to success.

Beyond facilities and crisis response, Dr. Howell has championed a culture of belonging and continuous improvement in PCSD 25. Through initiatives such as Visible Learning (VL) and a focus on collective teacher efficacy, the district has significantly advanced student achievement—even among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2025, 73.6% of PCSD 25 learners scored proficient or higher on the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI), a testament to the district’s systematic, data-driven approach to learning.

"Dr. Howell leads with humility and an unwavering belief in people," said Brenda Miner, Director of Human Resources. “He has consistently prioritized staff—creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. His leadership has strengthened teacher retention, cultivated new leaders, and fostered a culture where staff know they belong. That culture of belonging directly translates into better outcomes for our learners.”

This statewide recognition from ISSA affirms what the PCSD 25 community already knows—Dr. Howell’s vision, character, and collaborative leadership have left an enduring mark on education in Southeast Idaho, and his impact will be felt for generations of learners and educators to come.

PCSD 25 Board Chair Deanna Judy was present with other board members to help celebrate Dr. Howell’s leadership and the impact of his service to the district, stating: “Dr. Howell has a true love for education and a deep desire to support the teachers and learners in our district. He has a talent for bringing out the best in those around him. He encourages innovation and fosters excellence. He is very deserving of this statewide recognition.”

About the Award

The ISSA District Leadership Award honors superintendents across Idaho who demonstrate outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to public education. Recipients are nominated by peers and selected for their ability to lead with integrity, innovation, and a student-first focus.

About Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 serves nearly 12,000 learners in Southeast Idaho. Guided by the vision “Think More. Learn More. Be MORE TOGETHER,” PCSD 25 is committed to creating a culture of belonging where every learner has access to high-quality education and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.