For over a decade, Dr. Michelle Farrer has proven her unwavering dedication to student success, guiding schools through natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and societal challenges. For her outstanding leadership, Farrer was selected as ACSA’s 2025 Superintendent/Principal of the Year.

Farrer began her career teaching in Watsonville and Greenfield, two high-poverty communities with diverse student populations. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into how poverty affects learning and sparked her lifelong commitment to equity in education.

As a principal, Farrer pursued advanced education and professional development to strengthen her ability to support students. Her dedication to continuous growth allowed her to develop expertise in evidence-based practices, eventually leading her into administrative roles where she could influence entire school systems. Colleagues often describe her as a “data geek” committed to implementing data-driven strategies that significantly improve student outcomes.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in implementation science, which emphasizes that successful systems depend on a positive school culture. Farrer prioritizes staff ownership of goals, collaborative planning, and consistent use of data to guide improvements. Under her guidance, schools have implemented Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, aligning academic, behavioral, and social-emotional frameworks to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.

At Children’s Community Charter School in Paradise, Farrer became superintendent/principal shortly after the 2018 Camp Fire devastated the community. Enrollment plummeted, but she led the effort to rebuild by introducing trauma-informed practices and fostering resilience among students, families, and staff. By 2024, CCCS had grown to 220 students with long waitlists, earned a Platinum PBIS Award, and posted the highest state test scores on the Paradise Ridge. In the 2023-24 school year, families reported a 98 percent satisfaction rate, while staff surveys reflected 100 percent positive culture results.

Farrer’s leadership is also evident in her intentional approach to school improvement. She doesn’t overwhelm staff with competing initiatives, instead focusing on purposeful goals, consistent implementation, and celebrating successes. This approach has fostered strong collaboration, mutual respect, and high morale across school communities. Farrer currently serves as the director of Student Support Services at Penn Valley Union Elementary School District, where she supports three schools and is grateful for the opportunity to serve a new community.

In addition to her leadership positions, Farrer mentors new administrators as a faculty member at California State University, Chico, sharing her experience and helping prepare the next generation of educational leaders. A dedicated advocate for ACSA, Farrer served as the president of the Butte/Glenn Charter for five years, helping to revitalize the charter through larger events and increased membership.

“These leadership roles reflect not only her steadfast commitment to ACSA’s mission but also her ability to inspire and support fellow administrators statewide,” said Lisa Cruikshank, university supervisor, School of Education, at CSU, Chico. “Her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of students and school communities is evident in every initiative she leads.”

“Dr. Michelle Farrer is a passionate advocate for student success, and her leadership has profoundly shaped our school’s trajectory,” said CCCS 4th grade educator Sarah Sawyer. “I am confident that her innovative ideas and unwavering dedication will continue to make a lasting impact in any educational setting she is a part of.”

Through resilience, innovation and an unwavering focus on equity, Farrer has redefined what small schools and districts can achieve.