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 spring award recipients!
Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award
recognized Thursday, March 10 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Dr. Michael Funk, Superintendent, Albert Lea Area Schools | News Release
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.
The Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award is sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers.
MASA Distinguished Service Award
presented Thursday, March 10 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Dr. Tom Melcher, Retired School Finance Director, Minnesota Department of Education | News Release
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.
Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award
presented Friday, March 11 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools | News Release
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 Award
presented Friday, March 11 at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Kay Nelson, Assistant Superintendent, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools | News Release
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. Historically, two awards are presented annually, one from Greater MN and one from the Metro area. There was no selection for the metro area for 2022.
MASA Administrators of Excellence
presented Friday, March 11 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. Read the full news release here.
Region 1: Dr. Matt Hillmann, Superintendent, Northfield Public Schools
Region 2: Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent, Blue Earth Area Schools
Region 3: Dr. Chad Anderson, Superintendent, Tracy Area Public Schools
Region 4: Blaine Novak, Superintendent, New York Mills School District
Region 5: Laine Larson, Superintendent, Brainerd Public Schools
Region 6: Rob Prater, Superintendent, Hinckley-Finlayson Public Schools
Region 7: John Engelking, Superintendent, Proctor Public Schools
Region 8: Lisa Weber, Superintendent, Waubun-Omega-White Earth Schools
Region 9: Dr. Carly Baker, Superintendent, Brooklyn Center Community Schools
