Missouri Association of School Administrators

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

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/

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/

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

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

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country.
Thank you, Veterans, for your courage, sacrifice, and dedication.

✨ 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

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

🎉 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.html

Let us know what you think and be sure to share it with your team!

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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