| Dear NCLA Members,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dr. Gerald LaVerne Paist (“Gerry”), a remarkable leader, mentor, and lifelong advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Gerry passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply influenced countless students, educators, and professionals nationwide.
For 47 years, Gerry served as the Superintendent/Director of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, earning the distinction of being the longest-serving school superintendent in the United States. His passion for education was matched by his dedication to his students and his unyielding belief in the transformative power of CTE. Whether mentoring young leaders, cheering on Pathfinder’s football team, or reconnecting with students years after graduation, Gerry’s influence reached far beyond the classroom and boardroom.
To honor his incredible contributions, we invite you to read Dr. Paist’s obituary, which beautifully recounts his extraordinary life and accomplishments. We are also republishing a special podcast episode recorded in August 2020, where Gerry shared his leadership experiences and invaluable advice for advancing CTE. This episode is a testament to his enduring wisdom and passion for our field, and we encourage everyone to listen and reflect on the lessons he shared with us.
As NCLA’s former Executive Director shared:
“Much has been said about Gerry’s leadership and mentorship, all of which is true! What is also remarkable is his connection with students. As he traveled around the country attending various professional meetings, he would reconnect with former students from 10, 15, 20, or even 30 years ago. And, oh, how he loved the Pathfinder football team! When the team was hot on the trail of the Massachusetts vo-tech Super Bowl trophy, I would receive, in my snail mail, envelopes with newspaper clippings highlighting Pathfinder’s win. The address on the envelopes was always typed (yes, typed) from the old typewriter in his office. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Board member Tim Moriarty also shared a heartfelt memory:
“Even as a high school senior in a neighboring town who met him for the first time at a Superintendent’s dinner he hosted at Pathfinder in 2004, he told me that he read in my biography that I wanted to be a math teacher and that after college I should see him for a job. Not only did he make good on that offer, but he also opened so many more amazing doors along our journey together, including Harvard and of course the NCLA Board. I will always remember his wisdom and mentoring (the self-proclaimed ‘Oldest and Wisest’), his mental acumen and leadership philosophies, and his love for creating opportunities for others to reach their maximum potential—me very much included.”
Past President Dwight Hughes reflected:
“Dr. Paist was one of the first people I met when I joined the NCLA Board and one I always held in very high regard. Beyond being a champion of career and technical education, he was a gentleman, an avid reader and true scholar, a lover as much of sports as of the arts, and a gentle soul who showed kindness to all.”
Board member Ernie Houle added:
“He will be forever remembered as a consummate gentleman, leader in CTE, and an amazing man!”
Dr. Paist will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to elevate and expand the impact of CTE for generations to come.
Memorial donations may be sent to:
Pathfinder Vocational Technical High School
240 Sykes Street
Palmer, MA 01069
With deepest sympathy,
Rachael Mann
Executive Director of NCLA |
