In the summer of 1988, the family of Morris Bye, former MASA member and superintendent, approached the leadership of MASA and indicated an interest in establishing a memorial in the name of their father to recognize the tremendously important work of superintendents in Minnesota. Morris Bye died November 6,1983, and left a legacy of dedicated professional service, faith in the dignity of people, a commitment to the welfare of students and a belief in active community involvement. Bye's life exemplified the service principle. Morris Bye's career began as a school superintendent in York, North Dakota in 1918, upon graduating valedictorian from Concordia College in Moorhead. In 1923, Bye moved to Thief River Falls, Minnesota where he taught and served as high school principal. In 1926, Bye was appointed Superintendent where he served until 1943.From 1943 until his retirement in 1964, Bye served as Superintendent in Anoka guiding the district through tremendous growth and change. Under his leadership the district grew from a small rural district to the third largest in the State. The district grew ten-fold,combined all or parts of thirty separate districts and constructed 20 schools during his superintendency. "All of us remember his strong leadership. The one thing people remember is we never lost a bond issue vote during his time. When Mr. Bye said we needed it, we got it. The community had faith in his leadership," said Pauline Chamberlain, a retired Anoka teacher and administrator. Bye was also actively involved in professional organizations serving as President of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators from 1943-45, and as President of the Minnesota Education Association from 1950-52. |
The recipient must be a current active or associate member of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, will have at least twenty(20) years of successful administrative experience in Minnesota public schools, and will have served successfully as a superintendent for a minimum of ten(10) years and be a practicing superintendent at the time of nomination. The recipient shall have demonstrated the following attributes or characteristics throughout their career:
Past Morris Bye Memorial Award Recipients 1989-2005 |
