Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
Thank you, Veterans, for your courage, sacrifice, and dedication.
7 months ago, Missouri Association of School Administrators
🎉 Kicking off the 2025–26 Missouri Superintendent Academy!
Today, MASA launched the first session of the 2025–26 Missouri Superintendent Academy, welcoming superintendents in years 2–4 for a full day of professional learning, reflection, and connection.
Under the leadership of Dr. Donna Jahnke, Director, this year’s academy will engage in a robust series of sessions focused on leading with purpose, building strong systems, and sustaining excellence in Missouri’s public schools.
We’re grateful for the continued support of our program sponsors who help make this professional learning possible. Here’s to another outstanding year of growth and leadership! 💙
#MASALeads #MOSuptAcademy #EducationLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #MOPublicEd
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
More Than 91% of Missouri Students Attend Schools That Meet or Exceed State Expectations 🎉
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the 2024-25 Annual Performance Reports (APRs), and the results show steady, meaningful growth in student achievement and district performance statewide.
MASA celebrates this progress as a reflection of the collective leadership, persistence, and collaboration of Missouri’s superintendents, educators, and communities. Under the more rigorous expectations of MSIP 6, these results underscore the strong partnerships between schools, families, and local communities that continue to move public education forward.
To every superintendent leading with vision and commitment in the face of challenge, thank you. Your work is making a measurable difference for students across Missouri. 💙
🔗 Read the full DESE release: https://dese.mo.gov/more-91-percent-missouri-public-schools-meet-or-exceed-statewide-standards
#MASALeads #PublicSchoolProud #DESE #MissouriEducation
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
✨ Celebrating Excellence in Leadership!
MASA's Dr. Penny joined Dr. David Schmitz, Superintendent of Lebanon R-3 School District and 2025 Missouri Superintendent of the Year, at the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® Gala in Washington, D.C.
The event, held at the historic Mayflower Hotel, featured inspiring remarks from national education leaders including AASA President David Law, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education Penny Schwinn, and AASA Executive Director David Schuler.
Congratulations to Dr. Schmitz on representing Missouri with distinction, exemplifying what it means to lead with vision, integrity, and heart. 💙
#MASALeads #PublicSchoolProud #AASA #SuperintendentOfTheYear
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Today, MASA and MoASBO welcomed nearly 70 school leaders from across Missouri for the first session in our Evaluating the Budget School Finance Workshop Series.
Attendees heard a state-level update from Dr. Kyle Kruse, Assistant Commissioner of Financial and Administrative Services with DESE, followed by an insightful session on budget evaluation led by Jason Hoffman and Mindy Hampton.
👏 A big thank-you to our conference sponsors American Fidelity, Coryell Roofing, Stifel, and Trane for helping make this professional learning opportunity possible!
#MASAleads #MoASBO #SchoolFinance #ProfessionalLearning
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
🎉 Hot off the digital press!
We're excited to share the inaugural issue of The Missouri Administrator, MASA's new tri-annual magazine created for and about Missouri’s school leaders.
Inside this first edition, you’ll find inspiring stories, leadership insights, and highlights of the incredible work happening across our state.
📖 Read it online now:
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c1d7ca585e.htmlLet us know what you think and be sure to share it with your team!
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Celebrating New Leadership in the Northeast Region! 🌟
During this week’s Northeast MASA regional meeting in Macon, Executive Director Dr. Mark Penny recognized several of our new superintendents with MASA’s signature “Leadership Tile.”
Congratulations to:
• Shawn Corbett – Schuyler County R-1
• Tricia Reger – Kirksville R-III
• Alex Van Delft – Knox County R-I
• Michael Kahn – Bucklin R-II
These leaders are stepping into their new roles with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to serving Missouri students. Welcome to the MASA family! We’re proud to walk alongside you in this journey of leadership and learning! 💙
#WeAreMASA #MASALeads #MOPublicEd
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
What a magical night at the Awards Banquet! ✨
In one of the evening’s most memorable moments, Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent of the Affton School District, was named the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year, the 39th recipient of this prestigious honor.
Presented by MASA Executive Director Dr. Mark Penny, the award came as a total surprise to Dr. Bracht, whose wife and board members had carefully kept the secret for weeks. 💛
Caught completely off guard, Dr. Bracht accepted the honor with humility and warmth, and though unprepared to give remarks, he delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches of the night.
“I accept this honor on behalf of all those who have shaped me: my parents, my grandfather, my wife, and the incredible people of Affton who have believed in me for 14 years.”
His authenticity and gratitude reminded everyone in the room why we do this work - for students, for families, and for each other.
Congratulations, Dr. Bracht! Your leadership and heart inspire us all. 🌟
📸 Photos by MASA
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Great conversation today with education leaders from across Missouri!
During the DESE panel at the MSBA/MASA/MoASBO Fall Conference, Melissa Randol moderated a thoughtful discussion with Commissioner Karla Eslinger, State Board of Education President Mary Schrag, Kyle Kruse, and Kelly Jones from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The panel covered DESE’s strategic planning and vision, school finance, the foundation formula, and federal funding — offering valuable insight into the work happening statewide to strengthen public education.
Mark Penny (MASA) and Kim Cranston (MoASBO) joined the group for a quick photo afterward — and it seems some got the “wear red” memo! ❤️
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
We kicked off Saturday’s Second General Session at the MSBA Fall Conference with a full heart and a full room.
As attendees enjoyed breakfast, the Lone Jack High School choir and band filled the ballroom with beautiful music, setting the tone for a morning of inspiration.
MASA President Jerry Girdner and MoASBO President Geoff Macy welcomed everyone, reminding us that, no matter where we serve, we’re all working toward the same goal of helping kids succeed.
Jerry’s message centered on “the heart of a teacher," the patience, grace, and compassion it takes to believe in someone’s potential even when things don’t go as planned.
That message flowed perfectly into the keynote from Dr. Temple Grandin, whose life’s work has championed that same truth: every brain is different, and every kind of thinker has something valuable to contribute.
“The first step is realizing that people think differently.” — Dr. Temple Grandin
What an inspiring reminder that our classrooms, and our leadership, are strongest when we embrace the diversity of minds and experiences that make up public education.
#MASA #MoASBO #MSBA2025 #PublicEducation #Leadership #WhatWeDoMatters
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Missouri’s school leaders gathered for the MASA Fall Business Meeting during the annual MSBA/MASA/MOASBO Conference in Kansas City.
The meeting brought together superintendents from across the state to conduct association business, celebrate growth, and strengthen our shared commitment to Missouri’s public schools.
A special thank you to our meeting sponsors: Right At School, American Fidelity, and Stifel for their continued partnership and support of Missouri’s public school leaders.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for Missouri’s students, schools, and communities. 💙
#MASA #MissouriEducation #SchoolLeadership #PublicSch
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Partnering for Missouri’s Rural Schools 🤝
MASA was proud to partner with the Missouri Association of Rural Education (MARE) at their Fall Conference today at the Lake of the Ozarks!
Dr. Mark Penny co-presented with IMS Technology on ADA compliance and PDF accessibility solutions ahead of the upcoming federal regulations, while Mike Lodewegen, MCSA’s Director of Governmental Affairs, shared timely legislative updates impacting Missouri’s public schools.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with MARE and connect with so many dedicated leaders who are passionate about advancing education in our rural communities.
Next up: Kansas City for the MSBA/MASA/MoASBO Conference — we’ll see you there!
#MASALeads #PublicEducation #RuralEducation #MAREConference #LeadershipInAction
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
🌟 Experience Innovation in Action!
Superintendents and district leaders are invited to the Martin City K8 Safety & Communications Showcase on Monday, October 27 in Kansas City, MO.
Come explore how state-of-the-art design, integrated technology, and modern learning environments are transforming education for both students and staff.
🎤 Hear from:
• Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, Superintendent, Grandview C-4 School District
• Dr. Mark Penny, Executive Director, MASA
• Dr. Steve Joel, Retired Superintendent, Lincoln, Nebraska
🕓 10:45 AM – 2:00 PM | 201 E 133rd St, Kansas City, MO
🥗 Complimentary lunch & refreshments provided
👉 RSVP Now:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/90600ceda34c7b7c0c738fd4f326e1fa?r=use1#MASALeads #SchoolSafety #InnovationInEducation #PublicEducation
7 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
For our first #PartnerOfTheWeek, we are featuring StepUp!
StepUp partners with more than 220 Missouri school districts, providing tools that bring clarity, consistency, and confidence to classrooms. Their mission is simple: make the work more doable so educators can focus on what matters most: student learning.
The most popular resources include:
📘 The 4 Core Book – delivering teacher clarity over every standard in every grade level.
🗂️ The Curriculum Management Tool – organizing your district’s curriculum in a matter of days.
⚡ The RSP Fast Tracking Tool – streamlining RSPs so leaders can focus on students, not paperwork.
Across Missouri, leaders are using StepUp tools to equip their teams, improve instruction, and support student success.
👉 Learn more:
https://www.stepupconsultingservices.com/8 months ago, Missouri Association of School Administrators
🎉 MASA had the pleasure of recognizing several new superintendents during today’s Greater St. Louis regional meeting! Dr. Mark Penny presented welcome tiles to: - Dr. Howard Fields – Ferguson-Florissant - Dr. Taylor Massa – Crystal City - Dr. Henry St. Pierre – Fort Zumwalt - Dr. Mark Delaney – Francis Howell - Dr. Melissa Schneider – Parkway - Dr. Jana Parker – Webster Groves A big thank you to Dr. Jason Sefrit, our Greater St. Louis regional president, and Dr. Chris Gaines, Executive Director of EducationPlus, for their ongoing leadership and coordination. We’re grateful for opportunities like these to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our MASA family. 💙 #MASAleads #PublicSchoolProud
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
🎓 Celebrating Missouri’s Future School Leaders!
Yesterday marked the final session of MASA’s 2025 Aspiring Superintendent Cohort, where emerging leaders from across Missouri gathered to learn, connect, and grow.
Over the course of four sessions, participants heard directly from current superintendents, engaged in meaningful discussions about leadership and vision, built professional networks, and even participated in mock interviews designed to prepare them for the next step in their careers.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive as one attendee shared, “This Cohort has been one of the best learning experiences I have had in recent years!”
We also want to give a huge shout out to our business partners, Curriculum Associates, SSC Services, and Virco for supporting this program and helping us invest in Missouri’s next generation of district leaders.
We’re proud of these dedicated educators and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have in the years ahead! 💙
#MASALeads #LeadershipDevelopment #PublicEducation
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Nothing says “we appreciate you” like fire on the grill! 🔥🍤
The MASA and MCSA crew celebrated Boss’s Day with a hibachi lunch in honor of our fearless leaders, Dr. Mark Penny and Dr. J Anderson.
Thanks for keeping things cookin’ all year long!
#BossesDay #MASALeads #MCSA
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
🚨 RFP Deadline Approaching!
Proposals for MASA’s Strategic Planning Consultant are due by 4 p.m. this Friday, October 17.
Don’t miss your chance to partner with MASA on this important work!
👉 masaleads.org/o/masa/page/rfp
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
The MASA office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day.
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
Today MASA welcomed more than 60 Emeritus members for our annual Fall Reunion! 🍁
We shared updates on what’s happening across MASA, enjoyed time together in fellowship, played a few rounds of trivia, and swapped plenty of stories.
A heartfelt thank-you to our guest speakers for sharing their time and insights with us:
Dearld Snider, PSRS/PEERS
Maria Walden, Executive Director, MRTA
Kelly Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services, DESE
Duane Martin, EdCounsel
It was a wonderful day celebrating connection, conversation, and the enduring friendships that make MASA such a special community. 💙
View the full photo album here: https://tinyurl.com/MASAevent
#MASALeads #MOPublicEd
8 months ago, Missouri Assocation of School Administrators
