Cascadian on Board of Public Education

Governor Greg Gianforte has appointed Julia Maxwell, a proud Cascade High School graduate, to the Montana State Board of Public Education. This appointment highlights her dedication to education and her deep ties to Montana, particularly the Cascade community.

Raised on a cattle ranch and farm as a fourth-generation Montanan, Julia Maxwell embodies the values of hard work, community, and perseverance. Her journey began in Cascade, where she graduated from Cascade High School before pursuing a Bachelor's in Education from Montana State University Northern. She furthered her expertise with a Master's in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University and a Superintendent's endorsement from Montana State University.

Julia's career in education spans nearly every corner of the state and every level of schooling. From teaching at a Hutterite Colony to leading classrooms in Great Falls, Cascade, and Ulm, she has influenced students of all ages. Her path eventually led her to Marion, Montana, where she has served as both a Principal and Superintendent, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Montana's educational system.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julia's personal life reflects her devotion to children and families. She and her husband, also a Cascade High School graduate, have five children, four of whom were adopted from foster care. In addition to her work in education, Julia co-founded Royal Family Kids Great Falls, a mentorship and summer camp program designed to bring joy and connection to current and former foster children.

Her appointment to the Board of Public Education underscores her lifelong commitment to serving Montana. Julia's unique perspective as a former student, teacher, and administrator equips her to champion policies that will empower Montana's students while preserving the values and traditions that define the state.