We had a fantastic day at MASA today as we welcomed the South Central and Northeast Regions to our building for their regional meetings! 🎉
More than 70 school leaders gathered for meaningful conversations, updates, and collaboration that continues to move Missouri’s public schools forward. We are always grateful when our members fill the building with energy and purpose. 💙
A special thank you to our Region Presidents, Hilary Bales (South Central) and Zach Bruner (Northeast), for organizing today’s meetings and bringing their members together. Your leadership helps make these gatherings meaningful and productive. We also want to thank our presenters from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Kelli Jones and Kyle Kruse, for sharing valuable updates and insights with both regions.
And a very big thank you to MOCATT for generously sponsoring today’s lunch. 🍽️ We appreciate your continued support of MASA and Missouri’s school leaders.
Thank you to everyone who joined us today — your commitment to your students, districts, and communities is inspiring.
#MASALeads
Our #PartnerOfTheWeek spotlight is on TIPS USA, a nationwide purchasing cooperative supporting Missouri schools with fast, reliable purchasing solutions.
With no-cost membership, pre-competed contracts, and direct access to quality vendors, TIPS helps districts save time, increase efficiency, and confidently meet procurement requirements.
What Missouri members gain with TIPS:
✔️ Pre-bid contracts
✔️ Streamlined purchasing
✔️ Competitive pricing
✔️ Quality vendor partnerships
👉 Learn more: https://tips-usa.com
With no-cost membership, pre-competed contracts, and direct access to quality vendors, TIPS helps districts save time, increase efficiency, and confidently meet procurement requirements.
What Missouri members gain with TIPS:
✔️ Pre-bid contracts
✔️ Streamlined purchasing
✔️ Competitive pricing
✔️ Quality vendor partnerships
👉 Learn more: https://tips-usa.com
#PartneroftheWeek - Central Bank
The Central Bank MASA Multicard is three cards in one—a corporate card, a purchasing card and a fleet card. Consolidate purchasing and processes, monitor spending, and experience legendary service with your Central Bank representative.
Dream Bigger. Bank Better.
Learn more: https://www.centralbank.net/corporate/government-and-nonprofit/
#MASALeads
The Central Bank MASA Multicard is three cards in one—a corporate card, a purchasing card and a fleet card. Consolidate purchasing and processes, monitor spending, and experience legendary service with your Central Bank representative.
Dream Bigger. Bank Better.
Learn more: https://www.centralbank.net/corporate/government-and-nonprofit/
#MASALeads
Thank You to Our Strategic Planning Taskforce!
A huge thank you to the MASA members who joined us in Jefferson City today for the first meeting of our Strategic Planning Taskforce. Your willingness to invest time in this work is deeply appreciated.
Throughout the day, the group dug into both a PESTLE analysis and a SWOT analysis to begin shaping a strong, forward‑looking strategic plan that will guide MASA over the next five years. Your insight, collaboration, and honest conversation are exactly what will make this plan meaningful and impactful for school leaders across Missouri.
We are especially grateful to our facilitator, Lori Van Leer with The Breakthrough Coach, for leading the group with clarity, expertise, and energy.
Thank you all for your leadership and your commitment to MASA’s future. This work matters and so does your voice.
A huge thank you to the MASA members who joined us in Jefferson City today for the first meeting of our Strategic Planning Taskforce. Your willingness to invest time in this work is deeply appreciated.
Throughout the day, the group dug into both a PESTLE analysis and a SWOT analysis to begin shaping a strong, forward‑looking strategic plan that will guide MASA over the next five years. Your insight, collaboration, and honest conversation are exactly what will make this plan meaningful and impactful for school leaders across Missouri.
We are especially grateful to our facilitator, Lori Van Leer with The Breakthrough Coach, for leading the group with clarity, expertise, and energy.
Thank you all for your leadership and your commitment to MASA’s future. This work matters and so does your voice.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we recognize the importance of service, courage, and community.
The MASA office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The MASA office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
💪 Small but mighty.
Today, MASA visited the Bakersfield R-IV School District, a rural district just four miles from the Arkansas border, serving only 462 students.
This community has faced extraordinary challenges in the past year:
🌪️ An F-3 tornado that destroyed the district’s sports complex
🌊 A devastating flood
⛈️ Hail damage to school roofs
🔥 A gym fire
But Bakersfield R-IV didn’t stop, they rebuilt.
The tornado-ravaged sports complex is being replaced with a new, expanded facility on 32 acres, designed to be bigger and better than before, ensuring long-term opportunity for students and the community.
Even amid recovery, innovation is thriving. Students benefit from a strong FFA program, Project Lead The Way, welding and building trades, dual credit opportunities, and a newly awarded grant bringing an Anatomage table, tablets, and a Virtual Reality career and technical lab.
Student well-being remains a priority with a school-based public health clinic and on-site nurse practitioner, located inside the district’s FEMA-approved tornado safe building.
Much of this progress reflects the steady leadership of Superintendent Dr. Amy Padgett, now in her 16th year, whose grant-writing expertise continues to open doors for students.
Proof that rural schools don’t just recover, they rise.
We’re Hiring!
The Missouri Council of School Administrators (MCSA)—in partnership with MASA and MAESP—is seeking a Part-Time Office Operations Manager to support the day-to-day administrative and financial operations that keep our associations running smoothly.
This in-person role is ideal for someone who enjoys behind-the-scenes work, values organization and accuracy, and wants to have a meaningful impact supporting Missouri’s education leaders.
📍 Location: Jefferson City, MO
🕒 Schedule: Part-time, 20–25 hours per week
💼 Compensation: $20–$34/hour, based on experience
👉 Learn more and apply:
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=36ea74309e4c68bc
Application deadline: January 20, 2026 (open until filled)
The Missouri Council of School Administrators (MCSA)—in partnership with MASA and MAESP—is seeking a Part-Time Office Operations Manager to support the day-to-day administrative and financial operations that keep our associations running smoothly.
This in-person role is ideal for someone who enjoys behind-the-scenes work, values organization and accuracy, and wants to have a meaningful impact supporting Missouri’s education leaders.
📍 Location: Jefferson City, MO
🕒 Schedule: Part-time, 20–25 hours per week
💼 Compensation: $20–$34/hour, based on experience
👉 Learn more and apply:
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=36ea74309e4c68bc
Application deadline: January 20, 2026 (open until filled)
📣 Personnel Workshops Are Coming Up — Register Now!
MASA’s 2026 Personnel Workshops are happening soon, with five in-person locations across Missouri. These half-day sessions focus on the personnel issues superintendents face every day.
Upcoming Dates & Locations:
📍 Jan. 13 – Meramec Valley (Pacific)
📍 Jan. 15 – Chillicothe
📍 Jan. 16 – Springfield
📍 Feb. 3 – Johnson County (Centerview)
📍 Feb. 6 – Jefferson City (MASA Office)
In-person | Practical and timely | Designed for school leaders
👉 Register now to secure your spot: https://masa.finalforms-amp.com/events
MASA’s 2026 Personnel Workshops are happening soon, with five in-person locations across Missouri. These half-day sessions focus on the personnel issues superintendents face every day.
Upcoming Dates & Locations:
📍 Jan. 13 – Meramec Valley (Pacific)
📍 Jan. 15 – Chillicothe
📍 Jan. 16 – Springfield
📍 Feb. 3 – Johnson County (Centerview)
📍 Feb. 6 – Jefferson City (MASA Office)
In-person | Practical and timely | Designed for school leaders
👉 Register now to secure your spot: https://masa.finalforms-amp.com/events
MASA had the pleasure of touring the Dunklin R-5 School District yesterday, which serves the communities of Herculaneum, Pevely, and Horine just south of St. Louis. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Dunklin R-5 knows exactly who they are.
This district lives out its promise of a “Small School Feel with Big School Opportunities.” What stood out most was not a list of programs, but the mindset behind them.
“It’s all about the experience.” From Day 1 to Day 184, leaders stay visible, build relationships, focus on people, and constantly ask: “What do students and families need?”
✨ A Standout Investment in Staff
Dunklin’s onsite staff daycare, opened in 2022, currently serves 26 staff members, with more on the way. This level of support is rare and reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of educators and their families. It strengthens retention and communicates a powerful message: You matter here.
✨ A Culture You Can Feel
Connection is intentional across the district. Pevely Elementary’s Leader in Me Lighthouse status, High Five Fridays, Buddy Classrooms, and even a districtwide Guinness World Record project all contribute to a welcoming culture rooted in joy and belonging.
✨ Big Opportunities in a Small District
Despite its size, the district offers opportunities often found in larger systems, including free dual credit courses, Project Lead the Way pathways, and a growing esports program. Students benefit from expanded options while still experiencing the close-knit environment families value.
✨ A Facility That Elevates the Student Experience
One of the highlights of our visit was the district’s impressive new gym. It features a mezzanine level with an indoor track overlooking the basketball court, a modern wrestling room, and the Black Cat Café for concessions. It is a space designed not only for athletics, but for community, connection, and pride.
Dunklin R-5 shows what is possible when a district leads with purpose, people, and heart. Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Clint Freeman and the Dunklin leadership team for welcoming us and for the work you do each day to put students and families first.
MASA on the Move in Southwest Missouri!
Today, Dr. Mark Penny had the honor of presenting at the Southwest Center Superintendent Meeting, where he was greeted with incredible hospitality. He enjoyed connecting with superintendents from across the region and sharing MASA’s vision for leadership and advocacy.
After the meeting, Dr. Penny toured Joplin High School, rebuilt just 11 years ago following the devastating tornado. He was impressed by the beautiful facility and inspired by the innovative work happening in Joplin.
A special thank you to Principal Randy Oliver for being such a gracious host and taking time to showcase the amazing things happening at JHS!
#MASALeads #Advocacy #Leadership #PublicEducation
Today, MASA hosted its Transportation Workshop, bringing together superintendents from across Missouri to dive into the essentials of student transportation success. 🚌
From compliance and safety protocols to driver training, routing, and funding strategies, attendees gained practical insights to keep operations safe, efficient, and student-focused.
A big thank you to our presenter, Keith Henry, Executive Director of the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation, for sharing his expertise!
#MASALeads #SchoolTransportation #LeadershipDevelopment
From compliance and safety protocols to driver training, routing, and funding strategies, attendees gained practical insights to keep operations safe, efficient, and student-focused.
A big thank you to our presenter, Keith Henry, Executive Director of the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation, for sharing his expertise!
#MASALeads #SchoolTransportation #LeadershipDevelopment
Today, MASA’s Women in Leadership Cohort came together for its second session!
Dr. Deanna Ashby with Studer Education and Dr. Jamie Burkhart, MASA’s Director of Women in Leadership, facilitated an engaging discussion focused on aligning systems for real impact.
Participants explored strategies to:
✔ Develop leader capability to align efforts for impact
✔ Grow system capacity to sustain improvement
✔ Use short cycles of improvement (Plan–Do–Study–Act)
✔ Reflect on leadership impact and build a cadence to pause
This cohort is all about empowering women leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change in Missouri schools.
💡 What resonated most with you today? Share your thoughts below!
#MASALeads #WomenInLeadership #SchoolLeadership #ContinuousImprovement
Dr. Deanna Ashby with Studer Education and Dr. Jamie Burkhart, MASA’s Director of Women in Leadership, facilitated an engaging discussion focused on aligning systems for real impact.
Participants explored strategies to:
✔ Develop leader capability to align efforts for impact
✔ Grow system capacity to sustain improvement
✔ Use short cycles of improvement (Plan–Do–Study–Act)
✔ Reflect on leadership impact and build a cadence to pause
This cohort is all about empowering women leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change in Missouri schools.
💡 What resonated most with you today? Share your thoughts below!
#MASALeads #WomenInLeadership #SchoolLeadership #ContinuousImprovement
A great day of learning in Lexington!
Superintendents from across the state joined us for MASA’s Board Relations Workshop, facilitated by Duane Martin with EdCounsel. Conversations focused on collaboration, communication, and the importance of strong superintendent-board relationships.
Special thanks to Superintendent Amanda Finkeldei and the Lexington R-V team for hosting us today, we appreciate your hospitality!
#MASALeads #ProfessionalDevelopment
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from MASA!
Today we pause to give thanks for Missouri’s school leaders who serve with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Your work strengthens our schools and shapes the future for every student.
We’re also deeply grateful for our MASA business partners whose support, expertise, and partnership help us serve districts across the state.
May your holiday be filled with rest, joy, and the people who matter most.
Join MASA for a workshop to learn practical strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and communication in your student transportation program.
December 9, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Jefferson City, MO or Virtual
Register by December 3 → masa.finalforms-amp.com/
December 9, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Jefferson City, MO or Virtual
Register by December 3 → masa.finalforms-amp.com/
AFFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT: A MASTERCLASS IN CULTURE, COMMUNICATION, AND COMMUNITY
Today we had the privilege of visiting Affton School District and spending the morning with Dr. Travis Bracht, the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year. It was immediately clear why he earned that honor.
Affton is not just doing great things.
Affton is doing the right things, guided by clarity, consistency, and a strategic plan that drives every action.
⸻
What stood out most from our visit
🌟 A Strategic Plan That Actually Drives Action
Everything we saw, including instructional design, student supports, communication systems, space redesigns, and community partnerships, connects directly back to Affton’s strategic plan. Nothing felt random. Everything aligned with mission, vision, and values.
🎙️ Affton Unplugged: Communication With Heart
Dr. Bracht’s district podcast, Affton Unplugged, is a standout model for transparent, human-centered communication. He brings students and staff on as guests, celebrates success, and keeps the community connected to the heartbeat of the district. It is storytelling, trust-building, and leadership all in one place.
🛡️ Safety Built Into the School Day
Each school uses an efficient sign-in kiosk system that creates a consistent, secure process for every visitor. Affton has built a culture where safety is not a checklist item. It is part of the daily rhythm.
📈 Attendance That Is Celebrated
Affton is serious about showing up for learning, and they have built a recognition-rich attendance campaign that motivates instead of shames. Staff proudly held their attendance awards and you could feel the pride. This system works because it is positive, visible, and rooted in relationships.
🧠 Counseling Systems With Real Impact
Across Mesnier and Gotsch, the counseling team uses comprehensive data, such as attendance, behavior, SEL screeners, and academic performance, to guide supports. One group of students saw a 60 percent drop in discipline referrals. That is early intervention done well.
🚲 Learning Environments Designed With Intention
Bike break stations, sensory tools, flexible seating, calming areas, and modernized spaces all show how much Affton values the whole child. Every environment is purposeful.
📚 A Literacy Culture That Sparks Joy
A redesigned library filled with natural light and whimsical design touches. A book vending machine that makes reading an experience. Partnerships with St. Louis County Library that expand access. Everywhere we looked, literacy was visible and valued.
🎓 Early College Opportunities for Students
Through Affton’s partnership with St. Louis Community College, seven Affton High School students will graduate with both their high school diploma and their associate degree.
💡 Camp Invention: Creativity in Action
Camp Invention began in 2014 with around 70 students. Today it has grown to nearly 150. Students take part in hands-on STEM challenges and learn to problem solve in fun and meaningful ways. Even graduates return as mentors and leaders. It is innovation in motion.
🤝 A Community That Shows Up
From repurposing the iconic ice cream cone from a beloved local shop, to community-led drives, partnerships, and school volunteers, Affton lives out its values in visible ways. The One Affton spirit is strong.
🍎 Staff Appreciation That Truly Supports People
Snacklebox Day was a hit. Staff filled their boxes with snacks and treats as a monthly reminder that they are seen and valued. It was thoughtful, creative, and deeply appreciated.
⸻
Thank you to Dr. Travis Bracht and the entire Affton team. Your clarity of vision, excellence in communication, and commitment to students is inspiring. This is what strong public school leadership looks like.
#WeAreMASA | #MoPublicEd | #OneAffton
AFFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT: A MASTERCLASS IN CULTURE, COMMUNICATION, AND COMMUNITY
Today we had the privilege of visiting Affton School District and spending the morning with Dr. Travis Bracht, the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year. It was immediately clear why he earned that honor.
Affton is not just doing great things.
Affton is doing the right things, guided by clarity, consistency, and a strategic plan that drives every action.
⸻
What stood out most from our visit
🌟 A Strategic Plan That Actually Drives Action
Everything we saw, including instructional design, student supports, communication systems, space redesigns, and community partnerships, connects directly back to Affton’s strategic plan. Nothing felt random. Everything aligned with mission, vision, and values.
🎙️ Affton Unplugged: Communication With Heart
Dr. Bracht’s district podcast, Affton Unplugged, is a standout model for transparent, human-centered communication. He brings students and staff on as guests, celebrates success, and keeps the community connected to the heartbeat of the district. It is storytelling, trust-building, and leadership all in one place.
🛡️ Safety Built Into the School Day
Each school uses an efficient sign-in kiosk system that creates a consistent, secure process for every visitor. Affton has built a culture where safety is not a checklist item. It is part of the daily rhythm.
📈 Attendance That Is Celebrated
Affton is serious about showing up for learning, and they have built a recognition-rich attendance campaign that motivates instead of shames. Staff proudly held their attendance awards and you could feel the pride. This system works because it is positive, visible, and rooted in relationships.
🧠 Counseling Systems With Real Impact
Across Mesnier and Gotsch, the counseling team uses comprehensive data, such as attendance, behavior, SEL screeners, and academic performance, to guide supports. One group of students saw a 60 percent drop in discipline referrals. That is early intervention done well.
🚲 Learning Environments Designed With Intention
Bike break stations, sensory tools, flexible seating, calming areas, and modernized spaces all show how much Affton values the whole child. Every environment is purposeful.
📚 A Literacy Culture That Sparks Joy
A redesigned library filled with natural light and whimsical design touches. A book vending machine that makes reading an experience. Partnerships with St. Louis County Library that expand access. Everywhere we looked, literacy was visible and valued.
🎓 Early College Opportunities for Students
Through Affton’s partnership with St. Louis Community College, seven Affton High School students will graduate with both their high school diploma and their associate degree.
💡 Camp Invention: Creativity in Action
Camp Invention began in 2014 with around 70 students. Today it has grown to nearly 150. Students take part in hands-on STEM challenges and learn to problem solve in fun and meaningful ways. Even graduates return as mentors and leaders. It is innovation in motion.
🤝 A Community That Shows Up
From repurposing the iconic ice cream cone from a beloved local shop, to community-led drives, partnerships, and school volunteers, Affton lives out its values in visible ways. The One Affton spirit is strong.
🍎 Staff Appreciation That Truly Supports People
Snacklebox Day was a hit. Staff filled their boxes with snacks and treats as a monthly reminder that they are seen and valued. It was thoughtful, creative, and deeply appreciated.
⸻
Thank you to Dr. Travis Bracht and the entire Affton team. Your clarity of vision, excellence in communication, and commitment to students is inspiring. This is what strong public school leadership looks like.
#WeAreMASA | #MoPublicEd | #OneAffton
Your success as a superintendent depends on one of the most critical leadership dynamics in education - your relationship with the Board.
Join MASA and EdCounsel for a session that will equip you with tools and insights to strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and align leadership around shared goals.
Dates & Locations of Workshops:
December 2 | Ash Grove, MO
December 4 | Lexington, MO
December 5 | Osage Beach, MO
December 16 | Ste. Genevieve, MO
Register Today: masa.finalforms-amp.com/
Join MASA and EdCounsel for a session that will equip you with tools and insights to strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and align leadership around shared goals.
Dates & Locations of Workshops:
December 2 | Ash Grove, MO
December 4 | Lexington, MO
December 5 | Osage Beach, MO
December 16 | Ste. Genevieve, MO
Register Today: masa.finalforms-amp.com/
DELIVERED: Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Women in Leadership conference! 🩷🦋
Join MASA for Missouri’s premier leadership conference, designed specifically for women in public school administration.
February 23-24, 2026 | Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake Ozark, MO
Register NOW → bit.ly/4p9dgBf
Join MASA for Missouri’s premier leadership conference, designed specifically for women in public school administration.
February 23-24, 2026 | Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake Ozark, MO
Register NOW → bit.ly/4p9dgBf
Today, MASA had the opportunity to visit Parkway School District in St. Louis for an inspiring event hosted by CharacterPlus, MASA’s newest business partner. CharacterPlus is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping schools build character-driven cultures that support academic success and student well-being. Educators and administrators from Honduras, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and Turkey gathered to share how character education is shaping their classrooms and communities. We were invited by Dr. Keith Marty, retired Parkway superintendent, MASA Emeritus member and coach, who now serves as Superintendent in Residence for CharacterPlus. The organization is eager to expand its impact across Missouri. 📸 Pictured (L–R): Katie Terbrock, Assistant Principal; Dr. Mark Penny, MASA Executive Director; Dr. Keith Marty, Superintendent in Residence for CharacterPlus; and Chris Shirley, Principal at Oak Brook Elementary. #CharacterPlus #MASALeads #MissouriEducation #CharacterEducation #Partnership
