This story part of a series highlighting local school superintendents as part of GSI’s IN Schools campaign. Watch each week for the next edition!
Ask Randy Russell, superintendent of Freeman School District, what moments stand out most from his career, and he’ll tell you it’s not about any award or accolade — it’s the quiet, powerful validation from former students, parents, and colleagues who reach out to say thank you. “Knowing I treated them with respect and cared for them means the world to me,” he reflects.
Russell understands how vital community support is. His journey into education was influenced by teachers, coaches, and mentors who motivated and inspired him during childhood. Alongside his parents, Russell personally knows how caring adults can impact children’s lives. That early support network helped shape his leadership style, which is rooted in empathy, visibility, and service.
Harry Amend has been Russell’s mentor since he was 16, offering wisdom, encouragement, and guidance through every phase of his life and career. “His willingness to coach and guide me has been very important to me,” Russell says. “His influence helped me to focus on personal connection, whether I’m engaging with staff, families, students, or the communities we serve.”
Freeman School District is more than just a school system—it’s a tight-knit, rural network of communities including Hangman Hills, Mica, Mt. Hope, Rockford, and Valleyford that collaborate to educate their children. Russell takes pride in the strong support Freeman receives from its residents and quickly notes that educational funding remains an ongoing challenge.
“Education funding is very complex, and it’s not always at the level needed to support every student’s success,” he explains. “That’s why local levies, federal funds, and community partnerships are so essential.”
Russell’s story is grounded in core values and meaningful relationships, and he leads with gratitude, humility, and a strong dedication to the district’s communities.
In every way, Russell embodies the spirit of Freeman—resilient, dedicated, and full of heart. When he’s not leading the district, you might find Russell outdoors—hunting, fishing, or hiking the Triple Peak Divide in Glacier National Park. He earned his degree from Whitworth University and has a career that spans decades of educational leadership.
Learn more about how you can support GSI’s IN School’s campaign to foster stronger connections between our schools and the communities they serve.