2020 MASA Award Recipients

2020 MASA Award Recipients
Each year, MASA provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding members and colleagues who are dedicated leaders and advocates for children and Minnesota education. We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients!

Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award
presented at the March 5 Anoka-Hennepin community celebration — David was recognized at the Thursday morning, March 12 session at the MASA/MASE Spring conference

David Law, Superintendent, Anoka-Hennepin School District

The recipient is selected by a panel of representatives convened by MASA from a variety of Minnesota education organizations. Each candidate is judged on the following criteria: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. This award is sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers

MASA Distinguished Service Award
presented on Thursday morning, March 12 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference

Gary Amoroso, Executive Director, MASA

The recipient of this award will have a positive history/association with MN public education. The recipient will have contributed/participated in activities that improve Minnesota’s public education system on a statewide basis and have a reputation as a person that willingly goes the extra mile.

Polaris Leadership Award
presented at the MASA Fall Conference

Jeff Olson, Superintendent, St. Peter Public Schools

The recipient of this award must be a current active or associate member of MASA, an exemplary school leader with twenty or more years of administrative experience. This award is sponsored by Ehlers.

MASA Green Scholar Award
presented at the MASA Fall Conference

Kim Hiel, Superintendent, Fridley Public Schools

For her work: The Influence of Society’s Perceptions and Stereotypes on African American Women Administrators’ Leadership Practices.

Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award
presented Friday morning, March 13 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference

Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent, Intermediate School District 287

The recipient of this award must be an active or associate female member of MASA, must have demonstrated the attributes of leadership and involvement in MASA and other educational organizations as did Kay E. Jacobs.

Outstanding Central Office Administrator Awards
presented on Friday morning, March 13 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference

Outstanding Central Office Administrator – Metro Recipient
Stacie Stanley, Assistant Superintendent, Eden Prairie School District

Outstanding Central Office Administrator – Greater MN Recipient
Mark Diehl, Director of Information & Technology Services, Little Falls Community Schools

The recipients of this award must be non-superintendent MASA members who are Central Office Administrators exhibiting a willingness to risk, possess strong communication skills, are progressive change agents and who have high expectations for self and others. Two awards will be presented annually, one from greater MN and one from the metro area.

MASA Administrators of Excellence
presented Friday morning, March 13 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference

This award honors an administrator annually from each of the nine MASA regions. The nominee must have provided service to MASA through their active participation in a MASA district, regional and state organizational and/or leadership functions and activities, demonstrated active involvement in educational and community affairs, be regarded as a role model by MASA colleagues and be a practicing administrator and a member of MASA.

Region 1: Michael Muñoz, Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools

Region 2: Tom Lee, Superintendent, Waseca Public Schools

Region 3: Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent, Windom Area Schools

Region 4: Julie Critz, Superintendent, Alexandria Public Schools

Region 9: Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District