FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) today released its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. The plan is a five-year roadmap for how the association will support more than 500 superintendents across the state.
It is MASA's first strategic plan since 2015. Creating it was a top goal for Executive Director Dr. Mark Penny when he joined the association in July 2025.
"Missouri's superintendents are doing extraordinary work in some of the most complex conditions our schools have ever faced," Penny said. "This plan makes sure MASA is clear about how we stand alongside them. I encourage every member to see it as both a guide and an invitation: a guide for where we are going, and an invitation to help bring this vision to life."
Research shows school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its impact on student learning. The superintendency is also growing more demanding. Leaders are dealing with funding uncertainty, legislative changes, workforce shortages and a shrinking pool of candidates for the job. The plan responds with four focus areas and 13 priority initiatives:
Advocacy & Influence: equipping every member with tools and timely information to advocate for public education
Membership Experience: strengthening the value members get from MASA's resources, regional networks and services
Talent & Leadership Development: supporting leaders at every career stage through onboarding, mentoring, coaching and advanced learning
Strategic Communication: raising the visibility of Missouri's public schools and MASA's voice
The plan was built with broad input from the field. A Strategic Planning Task Force of 25 superintendents from districts across Missouri worked alongside a 10-member MASA staff Steering Team, and The Quality Coach® facilitated the process. It included listening sessions with members, an analysis of the forces shaping public education, and a review of the association's strengths and challenges.
Many initiatives are already underway, including mentoring and coaching for early-career superintendents and regional school finance committees. MASA will review the plan every year and report its progress to members.
The full plan is available at: https://www.masaleads.org/o/masa/page/strategic-plan
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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.