FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAKE OZARK, Mo. (March 18, 2026) — The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) recognized outstanding school leaders from across the state during the 2026 MASA/MOSPRA Spring Conference Awards Banquet held at Margaritaville Lake Resort. The annual awards celebrate excellence in leadership, service and advocacy on behalf of Missouri’s public school students and communities.
“Recognizing these leaders matters because their decisions touch the lives of students every single day,” said Dr. Mark Penny, MASA Executive Director. “Tonight is about gratitude, for the steady leadership, the late nights, the hard conversations and the care it takes to keep students at the center. These honorees lift their communities, and they lift all of us.”
Robert L. Pearce Award
The Robert L. Pearce Award is MASA’s most prestigious honor, recognizing a superintendent whose career reflects exemplary leadership, integrity and service to students and the profession.
Dr. Mike Slagle was selected for sustained, student‑centered leadership at Raymore‑Peculiar School District. Under his guidance, the district has expanded innovative learning experiences, including the creation of the LEAD Center, the Integrated Learning House, and multiple pathways that have increased students’ Market Value Assets. Slagle has also guided the district’s engagement in Missouri’s Success Ready Students Network, strengthened family and community partnerships, and maintained a clear focus on preparing students for success beyond graduation.
The Pearce Award includes a $1,000 scholarship for a student in the recipient’s district.
2026 Pearce Award nominees included the following superintendents:
Dr. Mike Slagle, Raymore-Peculiar School District — Greater Kansas City Region
Dr. Jim Wipke, Ladue School District — Greater St. Louis Region
Tennille Banner, Green City R‑I — Northeast Region
Danny Johnson, King City R‑I — Northwest Region
Dr. Fara Jones, Perry County 32 — Southeast Region
Dr. Jennifer Kephart, School District of Washington — South Central Region
Dr. Matt Pearce, Republic R‑III — Southwest Region
Mindy Hampton, Oak Grove R‑VI — West Central Region
MASA Recognition Awards
Each year, MASA also presents a slate of recognition awards across its eight regions to honor excellence at all stages of leadership.
Emerging Superintendent
Honoring outstanding leaders in their second or third year of the superintendency:
Josh Chastain, Harrisonville R‑IX — Greater Kansas City
Amy Zielinski, Brentwood — Greater St. Louis
Cody Moore, Adair County R‑II — Northeast
Josh Barker, North Andrew County R‑VI — Northwest
Melissa Husereau, St. Clair R‑XIII — South Central
Richie Leeker, Kennett 39 — Southeast
Dennis Kimzey, Golden City R‑III — Southwest
Adam Easterwood, Leeton R‑X — West Central
Assistant Superintendent Recognition
Celebrating exemplary leadership and impact at the district level:
Christy Barger, Lee’s Summit R‑VII — Greater Kansas City
Melissa Hildebrand, Hillsboro R‑III — Greater St. Louis
Kelly Briscoe, Lincoln County R‑III — Northeast
Brian Sherrow, Chillicothe R‑II — Northwest
Myra Siebert, Crawford County R‑II — South Central
Josh Crowell, Cape Girardeau 63 — Southeast
Jennifer Katzin, Logan‑Rogersville R‑VIII — Southwest
John Finnane, Warrensburg R‑VI — West Central
25‑Year Service Award
Recognizing administrators who have reached 25 years of service in public school leadership:
Kevin Goddard, Rich Hill R‑IV — West Central
Dustin Storm, Miller R‑II — Southwest
Outstanding Emeritus Educator
Honoring retired administrators whose leadership continues to strengthen Missouri schools:
Dr. Doug Hayter — Northeast
Dr. John Rinehart — Northwest
Jeannie Jenkins — South Central
Dr. Chris Wilson — Southeast
Dr. Jim Cummins — Southwest
Dr. Jamie Burkhart — West Central
Friend of Education Award
Recognizing individuals whose dedication to elevating public schools in Missouri — through service, partnership, advocacy, and community leadership — has made a meaningful difference for students and school communities:
Qiana Thomason — Greater Kansas City
Keith Rabenberg — Greater St. Louis
Kim Gaines — Northeast
Allen Berry — Northwest
Mary Agee — South Central
Jason Hoffman — Southeast
David Steward — Southwest
Kevin Sandlin — West Central
MASA extends its congratulations to all honorees and thanks them for the dedication, partnership and care they bring to Missouri’s schools. Their work strengthens communities across the state, and MASA is proud to celebrate their leadership.
About MASA
The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) is the statewide professional organization for school superintendents and central office administrators in Missouri. MASA is committed to advancing public education through leadership development, advocacy, and member support. MASA provides professional learning opportunities, legislative representation, and strategic resources to help school administrators lead with excellence.
Learn more at masaleads.org.
Media Contact: Chelsea Blair, Communications Director - Chelsea.Blair@mcsa.org