🎓 Congratulations to the members of the 2026-27 MASA Aspiring Superintendent Cohort on completing their cohort experience today!
Over four days of learning this year, participants explored the realities of district leadership through sessions focused on career planning, district research, interview preparation, board relations, entry plans, and the transition into the superintendent's role. Along the way, they gained practical insights from experienced education leaders and built valuable connections with peers from across Missouri.
A special thank you to our outstanding presenters Kelly Hinshaw and Dr. Jamie Burkhart (MASA), Dr. Amy Zielinski and Tony Dobson (Brentwood School District), and Emily Omohundro (EdCounsel) for investing in Missouri's future superintendent leaders.
We also extend our appreciation to our cohort partners Virco, Curriculum Associates, L.J. Hart, and Just Right Reader for their continued support of this important program.
The future of public education in Missouri is bright, and we look forward to seeing the impact these aspiring superintendents will have on their schools and communities. 🌟
#MASALeads #AspiringSuperintendent #EducationalLeadership
Over four days of learning this year, participants explored the realities of district leadership through sessions focused on career planning, district research, interview preparation, board relations, entry plans, and the transition into the superintendent's role. Along the way, they gained practical insights from experienced education leaders and built valuable connections with peers from across Missouri.
A special thank you to our outstanding presenters Kelly Hinshaw and Dr. Jamie Burkhart (MASA), Dr. Amy Zielinski and Tony Dobson (Brentwood School District), and Emily Omohundro (EdCounsel) for investing in Missouri's future superintendent leaders.
We also extend our appreciation to our cohort partners Virco, Curriculum Associates, L.J. Hart, and Just Right Reader for their continued support of this important program.
The future of public education in Missouri is bright, and we look forward to seeing the impact these aspiring superintendents will have on their schools and communities. 🌟
#MASALeads #AspiringSuperintendent #EducationalLeadership
✂️ 🎉 A ribbon has been cut, and a new chapter has begun!
We recently celebrated the grand opening of the Virco Conference Room at the MASA office. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Diamond Business Partner, Virco, the space now features a stunning new conference table and chairs that will serve school leaders for years to come.
Virco's impact extends far beyond this room. From supporting our Aspiring Superintendent and Women in Leadership cohorts to providing classroom seating for participants, they consistently invest in the growth of educational leaders across Missouri.
A special thank you to Tom Klutho and Roman Totta for their unwavering commitment to Missouri schools and for helping create spaces where learning, collaboration, and innovation can flourish.
#MASALeads #EducationLeadership #Virco
We recently celebrated the grand opening of the Virco Conference Room at the MASA office. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Diamond Business Partner, Virco, the space now features a stunning new conference table and chairs that will serve school leaders for years to come.
Virco's impact extends far beyond this room. From supporting our Aspiring Superintendent and Women in Leadership cohorts to providing classroom seating for participants, they consistently invest in the growth of educational leaders across Missouri.
A special thank you to Tom Klutho and Roman Totta for their unwavering commitment to Missouri schools and for helping create spaces where learning, collaboration, and innovation can flourish.
#MASALeads #EducationLeadership #Virco
The MASA office is closed today, Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. We will resume normal business hours tomorrow.
Registration is OPEN for the 2027 MASA Women in Leadership Summit! 🦋
RISE • LEAD • THRIVE: Women Navigating the Climb Together
📅 February 8–9, 2027
📍 Margaritaville Lake Resort
Join female school leaders from across Missouri for two days of learning, connection, and growth. This year’s keynote is Dr. Jill Siler, author of Thrive Through the Five, joined by Missouri superintendents Dr. Nisha Patel, Mindy Hampton, and Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley. And yes, Trivia Night is back!
✅ Register by January 29, 2027
🏨 Book your room by January 8, 2027
Learn more and register: https://www.masaleads.org/o/masa/page/wil-summit
#WomenInLeadership #MASALeads #RiseLeadThrive
RISE • LEAD • THRIVE: Women Navigating the Climb Together
📅 February 8–9, 2027
📍 Margaritaville Lake Resort
Join female school leaders from across Missouri for two days of learning, connection, and growth. This year’s keynote is Dr. Jill Siler, author of Thrive Through the Five, joined by Missouri superintendents Dr. Nisha Patel, Mindy Hampton, and Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley. And yes, Trivia Night is back!
✅ Register by January 29, 2027
🏨 Book your room by January 8, 2027
Learn more and register: https://www.masaleads.org/o/masa/page/wil-summit
#WomenInLeadership #MASALeads #RiseLeadThrive
Registration + Call for Presenters: 2027 Women in Leadership Summit: https://missouriaosamo.edurooms.com/newsletters/missouri-association-of-school-administrators/newsletters/27-wil
🍂 The Fall 2026 issue of The Missouri Administrator is here!
This issue focuses on intentional leadership: Missouri school leaders who are looking past the moment and investing in what comes next.
Inside you'll find:
Our cover story on 2026-27 MASA President Dr. Adam Friga and the Oran R-III School District
A first look at MASA's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
Profiles of the Overstreet brothers and longtime mentor Dr. Chris Straub
Policy and finance updates, including SB3 one year later and the MCSA Finance Academy
How North Callaway R-I turned a hard-won ballot victory into a fresh start
Grab a cup of coffee and dive in ☕
👉 Read it here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/bf7b57f675.html
#MASALeads #MissouriAdministrator #MOLovesPublicSchools
This issue focuses on intentional leadership: Missouri school leaders who are looking past the moment and investing in what comes next.
Inside you'll find:
Our cover story on 2026-27 MASA President Dr. Adam Friga and the Oran R-III School District
A first look at MASA's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
Profiles of the Overstreet brothers and longtime mentor Dr. Chris Straub
Policy and finance updates, including SB3 one year later and the MCSA Finance Academy
How North Callaway R-I turned a hard-won ballot victory into a fresh start
Grab a cup of coffee and dive in ☕
👉 Read it here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/bf7b57f675.html
#MASALeads #MissouriAdministrator #MOLovesPublicSchools
What a wonderful afternoon at MASA!
Today, we were delighted to welcome more many of our Emeritus members to MASA HQ in Jefferson City for our annual Emeritus Reunion. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, presentations and an association update—but the best part was simply having the opportunity to reconnect, visit and enjoy one another’s company.
Our Emeritus members hold a very special place in the MASA family. Their years of leadership, service and dedication have helped shape our association and strengthen public education in communities across Missouri. We are deeply grateful for the legacy they have built, the wisdom and experience they continue to share, and their enduring connection to MASA.
A special thank you to our co-sponsors, EdCounsel and Schneider Electric, for helping make today’s gathering possible. We truly appreciate your continued support of MASA and Missouri’s public school leaders.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this year’s reunion such a meaningful and memorable afternoon! 💙🩵
#MASALeads #MOLovesPublicSchools
BIG NEWS: Today, MASA released its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, our first since 2015.
Developed with a Task Force of 25 Missouri superintendents, the plan sets four priorities for the next five years:
• Advocacy & Influence
• Membership Experience
• Talent & Leadership Development
• Strategic Communication
It is our roadmap for supporting the leaders who guide Missouri's public schools.
See the plan and find where you fit in: https://www.masaleads.org/o/masa/page/strategic-plan
#TrustedLeadership #MASALeads #MOLovesPublicSchools
📢 We're Hiring: Director of Advocacy Coordination
The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) is seeking a Director of Advocacy Coordination to help strengthen and organize our statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of Missouri public schools.
This new part-time position will play a key role in building a network of school advocates, supporting legislative engagement, developing member resources, and helping school leaders tell the story of public education in clear and compelling ways.
If you're passionate about public education, relationship-building, and empowering others to advocate for students and schools, we'd love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply today: https://bit.ly/3TghdKp
#MASALeads
Great discussions and a terrific turnout in Macon today for the Northeast Region MASA meeting!
Dr. Mark Penny joined educational leaders from across Northeast MO for a day of collaboration, networking, and learning. Thank you to NE Region President Dr. Ryan Bergeson and Region Representative Jason Harper for organizing an outstanding meeting and bringing together so many school leaders from across the region.
Attendees received valuable updates on legislative issues, educational leadership initiatives, and the work of Missouri's School Funding Modernization Task Force, including a presentation from Dr. Kari Monsees on efforts to strengthen and modernize school funding across the state.
Thank you to the Macon School District for hosting and to everyone who participated in the important conversations focused on supporting Missouri's students, schools, and communities.
#MASALeads #NEMO #MOLovesPublicSchools
Dr. Mark Penny joined educational leaders from across Northeast MO for a day of collaboration, networking, and learning. Thank you to NE Region President Dr. Ryan Bergeson and Region Representative Jason Harper for organizing an outstanding meeting and bringing together so many school leaders from across the region.
Attendees received valuable updates on legislative issues, educational leadership initiatives, and the work of Missouri's School Funding Modernization Task Force, including a presentation from Dr. Kari Monsees on efforts to strengthen and modernize school funding across the state.
Thank you to the Macon School District for hosting and to everyone who participated in the important conversations focused on supporting Missouri's students, schools, and communities.
#MASALeads #NEMO #MOLovesPublicSchools
What a beautiful day for the Gale Bartow Golf Tournament! ⛳️🍂
We had a fantastic turnout today at Redfield Golf Course in Eugene, with MASA Active and Emeritus members, friends, and many of our valued business partners joining us for a great day on the course.
We are incredibly thankful to all of the business partners and sponsors who helped make this year’s tournament possible. Your continued support of MASA and Missouri’s school leaders means so much to us.
This year, we were also proud to honor MASA Past Presidents Dr. Ken Eaton, who was unable to join us today, and Dr. Doug Hayter. We are grateful for their contributions and the impact they have made on MASA and public education in Missouri.
The tournament raised over $13,000 for scholarships that will help Missouri students pursue their educational goals.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make today such a wonderful event!
On Tuesday, the State Board of Education set aside its own department’s recommendation and declined to request full funding of the foundation formula established in state law.
This is a failure of the board’s most basic responsibility: advocating for Missouri’s public schools and the students they serve. The board’s job is to tell the governor and the General Assembly what our schools need. Instead, this board has made the unprecedented choice to recommend that public schools remain underfunded, an action that reflects a board increasingly hostile to public education. That choice makes an already difficult financial situation even more precarious for local school districts.
Reversing Missouri’s current course will require teachers, parents, school leaders and community members to see clearly what is being done to their schools and to hold accountable those whose decisions undermine the children and communities Missouri schools serve.
The State Board of Education does not get the final say. That responsibility belongs to the governor and the General Assembly, and we will make our case directly to the elected leaders who have the opportunity to stand up for Missouri’s public schools and their communities.
This is a failure of the board’s most basic responsibility: advocating for Missouri’s public schools and the students they serve. The board’s job is to tell the governor and the General Assembly what our schools need. Instead, this board has made the unprecedented choice to recommend that public schools remain underfunded, an action that reflects a board increasingly hostile to public education. That choice makes an already difficult financial situation even more precarious for local school districts.
Reversing Missouri’s current course will require teachers, parents, school leaders and community members to see clearly what is being done to their schools and to hold accountable those whose decisions undermine the children and communities Missouri schools serve.
The State Board of Education does not get the final say. That responsibility belongs to the governor and the General Assembly, and we will make our case directly to the elected leaders who have the opportunity to stand up for Missouri’s public schools and their communities.
Welcome back to the MCSA School Finance Academy for New School Leaders!
Today, new superintendents and school finance professionals gathered for the second session of this year-long professional learning experience, continuing their journey through the complex and critical world of school finance.
Led by Dr. Jim Cummins, Paul Northington, and Patty Bedrough, participants took a deeper dive into debt service and bond issues, reviewing the ASBR, navigating the Accounting Manual, and tackling real-world questions facing Missouri school districts.
The day also featured a robust roundtable discussion on the first 75 days in a leadership role, including conversations about state funding, tax rates, property assessments, and the challenges facing today's educational leaders.
We're proud to invest in the success of Missouri's newest school leaders and look forward to continuing the journey together throughout the academy.
#School Finance #MASALeads #MoASBO #MOLovesPublicSchools
Today, new superintendents and school finance professionals gathered for the second session of this year-long professional learning experience, continuing their journey through the complex and critical world of school finance.
Led by Dr. Jim Cummins, Paul Northington, and Patty Bedrough, participants took a deeper dive into debt service and bond issues, reviewing the ASBR, navigating the Accounting Manual, and tackling real-world questions facing Missouri school districts.
The day also featured a robust roundtable discussion on the first 75 days in a leadership role, including conversations about state funding, tax rates, property assessments, and the challenges facing today's educational leaders.
We're proud to invest in the success of Missouri's newest school leaders and look forward to continuing the journey together throughout the academy.
#School Finance #MASALeads #MoASBO #MOLovesPublicSchools
What an incredible showing from MASA members this morning!
School leaders from across Missouri packed the State Board of Education meeting as the A-F School Grading Framework came before the Board for consideration.
We are grateful to Dr. Adam Friga (Oran R-III), Dr. Kerry Sachetta (Joplin Schools), Dr. Mark Drake (Monett Schools), and Dr. Matt Goodman (Pattonville R-III) for providing testimony, offering important recommendations, and sharing their perspectives as Missouri school leaders.
Advocacy matters, and today's turnout was a powerful reminder that Missouri's education leaders are committed to ensuring every accountability conversation reflects the realities facing our schools and students.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to show up, speak up, and represent public education. 💙🍎
#MASALeads #MOLovesPublicEducation
Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember the 2,977 lives lost and honor the courage of the first responders, public servants, military members, and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of tragedy.
For many of today's students, 9/11 is a historical event they did not experience firsthand. As educators and educational leaders, we have a responsibility to help future generations understand not only what happened that day, but also the values that emerged in its aftermath: service, sacrifice, resilience, and unity.
MASA encourages schools across Missouri to take time today to commemorate this anniversary through a moment of silence, age-appropriate lessons and discussions, student reflections, service projects, or other activities that help preserve the memory and meaning of September 11 for the next generation.
As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we honor those we lost, recognize the heroes who answered the call, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the lessons of September 11 are never forgotten.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #MASALeads
For many of today's students, 9/11 is a historical event they did not experience firsthand. As educators and educational leaders, we have a responsibility to help future generations understand not only what happened that day, but also the values that emerged in its aftermath: service, sacrifice, resilience, and unity.
MASA encourages schools across Missouri to take time today to commemorate this anniversary through a moment of silence, age-appropriate lessons and discussions, student reflections, service projects, or other activities that help preserve the memory and meaning of September 11 for the next generation.
As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we honor those we lost, recognize the heroes who answered the call, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the lessons of September 11 are never forgotten.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #MASALeads
Happy Labor Day from MASA!
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and service of educators and professionals across Missouri who make a difference in their communities every day.
The MASA office will be closed in observance of Labor Day. We hope you enjoy a safe, restful holiday with family and friends.
Southwest Missouri showed up in Springfield today! 🔥
Dr. Penny joined educational leaders from across the region at the Southwest MASA Regional Meeting, where an outstanding turnout reflected the strength and engagement of school leadership across Southwest Missouri.
The meeting featured important discussions on legislative advocacy, accountability, professional learning, school finance, and other key issues impacting Missouri schools.
A special thank you to Southwest Regional Representative Dr. Will Darter and Southwest MASA President Dr. Mark Drake for organizing and facilitating a successful meeting, and to Dr. Jordan Henegar and Dr. Nate Moore for their presentations on school finance topics and the Tight Times series.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the meaningful conversations that help strengthen public education across Missouri.
Wishing everyone a happy Labor Day weekend!
#MASALeads #SouthwestMASA #MOLovesPublicSchools
What a great way to start the school year! 🎉
Dr. Mark Penny attended today's Southeast Regional Meeting at Crabb & Company in Wappapello, where an outstanding turnout of district leaders from across Southeast Missouri gathered to connect, collaborate, and discuss the year ahead.
The overwhelming attendance was encouraging and reflects the strong commitment educational leaders have to supporting students, staff, and schools. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend these important regional conversations and share their leadership perspectives.
A special thank you to Dr. Fara Jones, Southeast Region Representative, and Dr. Brian Beard, Southeast Region President, for organizing and facilitating a successful meeting. We also appreciate Dr. Adam Friga, MASA President, for your outstanding leadership and commitment to Missouri's educational community. 📚
#MASALeads #MASASEMO #MOLovesPublicSchools
A great day in Oran! 🦅
MASA spent the day visiting Oran R-III School District, led by MASA President Dr. Adam Friga. We saw firsthand the district's commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, student support, and a culture that helps students SOAR.
Thank you to Dr. Friga, the staff, and students for the warm welcome and hospitality. We look forward to sharing more in a special feature on Dr. Friga and Oran R-III in the Fall issue of The Missouri Administrator!
#MASALeads #MOLovesPublicSchools
🛡️ As the school year begins, now is a great time to review your district's safety resources and communication plans.
The annual SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Campaign provides school leaders with tools, guidance, and ready-to-use resources to support a community-based approach to school safety.
From district leadership teams to families and local partners, everyone has a role to play in creating safe and supportive schools.
🔗 Access the campaign resources: https://www.schoolsafety.gov/back-to-school-campaign
#MASALeads #SchoolSafety #MOLovesPublicSchools
The annual SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Campaign provides school leaders with tools, guidance, and ready-to-use resources to support a community-based approach to school safety.
From district leadership teams to families and local partners, everyone has a role to play in creating safe and supportive schools.
🔗 Access the campaign resources: https://www.schoolsafety.gov/back-to-school-campaign
#MASALeads #SchoolSafety #MOLovesPublicSchools