Missouri Association of School Administrators

06/18/2026

Today marked the conclusion of the 4 Essential Roles of Leadership, part of the MASA Advanced Leadership Program powered by FranklinCovey.

It has been inspiring to see Missouri school leaders invest in their own growth and seeing the impact effective leadership can have on students, staff, and school communities.

Thank you to the participants and certified FranklinCovey facilitator, Kristi Shinn who made this experience meaningful.

We're looking forward to continuing the leadership journey July 21 with The 4 Disciplines of Ex*****on at the Gary D. Sharpe Education Center in Jefferson City.

Registration remains open through July 16.
🔗 https://masa.finalforms-amp.com

06/16/2026

This week, MASA welcomed more than 47 first-year superintendents from across Missouri for a day of learning, fellowship, and encouragement.

Mr. Kelly Hinshaw, Dr. Jamie Burkhart, Dr. Adam Friga, and Dr. Mark Penny shared their wisdom and experience with the group, offering practical advice on what to expect during their first year as superintendent and words of encouragement as they began this important journey.

We are incredibly thankful for these dedicated leaders who have answered the call to serve Missouri’s students, educators, and communities. Their willingness to lead with courage, compassion, and vision will make a lasting impact across our state.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors—Apptegy, Performance Services, Coryell Roofing, and TIPS USA—for making today’s event possible. Your partnership and support of Missouri school leaders are deeply appreciated.

We are excited to watch this outstanding group of leaders grow and thrive in the years ahead!

06/12/2026

The MASA Executive Committee recently gathered in Springfield for our annual retreat—a time to connect, collaborate, serve, and plan for the future of our association.

Throughout the retreat, committee members engaged in strategic discussions focused on strengthening MASA and enhancing the support we provide to Missouri school leaders. We also had the opportunity to give back through a service project in partnership with Care to Learn and Ameresco, assembling hygiene kits to help meet the basic needs of students in the Springfield area.

The retreat provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships beyond the boardroom, including a visit to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, a behind-the-scenes tour of Route 66 Stadium, and an evening enjoying Springfield Cardinals baseball.

A heartfelt thank you to our Executive Committee members for the time, energy, and leadership you invest throughout the year to help guide our association and better serve Missouri’s school administrators. Your commitment continues to make a difference for our members and the students they serve.

We would also like to recognize Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Dr. David Schmitz, and Dr. Jason Snodgrass as they conclude their service on the Executive Committee. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and contributions to MASA. Your service has helped strengthen our association, and we are grateful for the impact you have made.

We are also grateful to our generous sponsors—Ameresco, Right at School, Curriculum Associates, Lebra, and MOCATT—whose partnership and support helped make this retreat possible.

Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to Jerry Girdner for his service as MASA President this past year. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public education and the MASA membership.

Together, we are building stronger leaders, stronger schools, and stronger communities. ♥️

06/11/2026

More pics from today’s service event!

06/11/2026

What an inspiring afternoon! Our MASA staff, Executive Committee members, and superintendents from nearby districts joined Care to Learn and Ameresco to assemble 500 hygiene kits for Springfield Public Schools students — each one stocked with essentials that make a real difference.

These kits will be distributed at the Back‑to‑School Bash, supporting thousands of families.

Deep gratitude to Care to Learn and Ameresco for leading with heart and lifting up students in need! 💚

06/10/2026

🌟 Yesterday, we proudly wrapped up the 2025-26 MASA Women in Leadership Cohort! 🌟

This inaugural cohort was an incredible success, bringing together 40 outstanding participants for a year of growth, connection, and leadership development. We’re deeply grateful for the positive feedback and the inspiring energy each participant brought to the experience.

A special thank you to Dr. Deanna Ashby, Leader Coach and Senior Executive of Partner Development with Studer Education, for sharing her expertise on leader rounding, retention, and cultivating strong workplace culture during the year, as well as yesterday's presenter's Dr. Donna Jahnke, Director of the Missouri Superintendent Academy and Dr. Jordan Henegar with Joplin Public Schools.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Director of Women in Leadership, Dr. Jamie Burkhart. Her passion, vision, and dedication were instrumental in bringing this initiative to life and making the first cohort such a meaningful experience for all involved.

Interested in participating? Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026-27 Women in Leadership Cohort!
Learn more and register here: 🔗 https://www.masaleads.org/page/women-in-leadership

06/05/2026

New Principals' Conference | A Strong Start Matters

If you have recently hired a new principal or assistant principal, one of the best ways to show your investment in their success is to send them to the New Principals' Conference. Registration for next week's event (June 16–17) is closing soon. Hosted by MAESP and MoASSP in partnership with the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS), this conference is designed specifically for new school leaders. It gives them practical tools, trusted guidance, and a network of support before the school year begins.

Over two days, participants will:
• Develop a plan for the critical first steps of the role
• Deepen their understanding of school systems, culture, and learning
• Learn from nationally respected leadership experts Mike Rutherford and Todd Whitaker
• Connect with experienced Missouri school leaders, their professional association, and the statewide support network available through MLDS

Just as important, the conference serves as the entry point into Missouri's statewide mentoring program, providing ongoing support throughout a leader's first two years in the position.

The first year of leadership can feel overwhelming. A strong start doesn't happen by accident. It happens when new leaders have a plan, a network, and people who are invested in their success.

If you have a new building leader joining your team this year, we hope you'll encourage them to attend.

Learn more and register: https://maesp.com/New-Principals-Conference | https://www.moassp.com/events-list/ #!event/register/2026/6/16/2026-new-principals-apos-conference

06/05/2026

The Spring 2026 issue of The Missouri Administrator is here! 🎉
📖 Flip through the digital edition: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/20bb353c80.html

Inside this issue:
- A deeper look at Tight Times and what school leaders need to know about Missouri’s financial landscape
- Key legislative updates, including SB3 and ongoing policy conversations
- A feature on Dr. Mike Slagle, 2026 Pearce Award recipient
- Leadership insights to help you plan, reflect, and prepare for the year ahead
- Stories highlighting students, rising leaders, and districts across the state
- And more!

📬Printed copies are hitting mailboxes soon—be on the lookout!

06/04/2026