2026 President-Elect Candidates
Dear Colleagues,
It is with gratitude that I share my candidacy for President-Elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.
For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a superintendent in Minnesota. During that time, MASA has been a steady and meaningful part of my professional journey. This organization provides connection, perspective, and encouragement for district-level leaders across our state, including superintendents, central office administrators, special education administrators, service provider administrators, curriculum leaders, and technology leaders. While each of us serves a different community, we often carry similar responsibilities, pressures, and expectations. That is why strong connections matter so much. MASA has been that place of connection for me, and I believe it must continue to be a supportive and trusted network for all of us.
My path in education began as a teacher in Shakopee Public Schools. I later served as K-12 principal in Goodridge Public Schools and as 7-12 principal in Maple Lake Public Schools. I had the honor of serving as superintendent at East Central Public Schools for nine years before coming to ISD 728 as Executive Director of Business Services. Today, I serve as Superintendent of ISD 728, the 8th largest district in Minnesota, serving approximately 15,000 students. Leading in districts ranging from small rural communities to one of the largest systems in our state has shaped my perspective and deepened my respect for the work each of you does in your own communities.
I am also grateful to have previously served on the MASA Board of Directors. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to support new superintendents through the MASA Great Start Cohort and the Aspiring Superintendents Academy. I am truly grateful for those opportunities to walk alongside leaders at different stages of their journey and to contribute to the strength of our profession.
MASA has given much to me. It has connected me with colleagues who have become trusted friends and provided professional growth and support when it mattered most. If elected President-Elect, my goal is to strengthen our connections, support district leaders across Minnesota, and ensure MASA remains a respected and steady voice for our profession.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve and would be honored to earn your vote and your support. Thank you for the leadership you provide in your communities and for the way you strengthen public education across our state.
With appreciation,
Andy Almos
Superintendent, ISD 728
I’m deeply honored and grateful to be nominated as a candidate for President-Elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). I accept this nomination with humility and sincere appreciation for the extraordinary leaders across Minnesota who work tirelessly on behalf of our students, families, staff and communities.
Across our state, superintendents carry immense responsibility. In moments of celebration and in times of complexity, we’re called to lead with steadiness, compassion and courage. I’m continually inspired by colleagues who advocate fiercely for public education while remaining grounded in service to children and communities. I’m thankful for each of you and for the collective strength we bring to this work.
I currently serve as superintendent of Osseo Area Schools and have served as a superintendent for the past eight years. This experience has reinforced my belief that leadership is strongest when it is collaborative, inclusive and rooted in purpose. I’m a servant leader who leads through the lens of holding space – listening with intention, resisting judgment, and ensuring that all voices are valued and heard. In today’s political climate, this grounding is essential as we continue to advocate for equitable resources and opportunities for every student, staff member and community we serve.
My leadership philosophy centers on attending to self, others and systems. Sustainable leadership requires caring for ourselves so we can effectively support others. It calls us to stand together as superintendents – regardless of district size or geography – recognizing our shared challenges and collective strength. It also demands that we use our unified voice to strengthen the systems that support public education, including advocating for full funding of the special education cross-subsidy, addressing compensatory funding concerns, ensuring safe and secure learning environments, and responding to workforce shortages through recruitment and retention efforts. Public education must be supported through an equitable lens where all are represented, seen, valued, and heard.
In addition to my district leadership, I’m grateful for opportunities to serve and contribute at the state level. I currently serve on the Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations Board and sat on the Minnesota State High School League Together 3.0 Steering Committee. I have been honored to serve as an opening speaker at the MSHSL student leadership conferences in Willmar, Rochester, the Twin Cities, and Bemidji. I’ve also served on the MASA and AMSD Board and represented superintendents on the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) Teacher and Paraprofessional Compensation Work Group. Most recently, I was honored to be named the 2025 MASA Region 9 Administrator of Excellence. These experiences have deepened my commitment to student voice, leadership development, professional advocacy, and statewide collaboration.
If elected as President-Elect, I commit to leading with integrity, listening with intention, and working in partnership with you. Together, we can continue to strengthen MASA’s impact, elevate the voice of superintendents, and ensure Minnesota’s public schools remain places where every student can learn, grow and thrive.
Thank you for your trust, for your service, and for the profound difference you make in the lives of Minnesota’s children and families each day.
I am honored and humbled to be nominated as a candidate for President-Elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). MASA has long been a cornerstone of professional learning, advocacy, and leadership development for school leaders across our state. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and support the extraordinary administrators who lead Minnesota’s public schools every day.
I have spent nearly my entire career in Minnesota public education, serving as a social worker, principal, district leader, and superintendent. My leadership journey also included nearly four years as superintendent in Colorado Springs, where I had the privilege of leading a large and diverse district serving more than 23,000 students and 4,000 staff. That experience reinforced for me the importance of strong professional networks and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative leadership community we have here in Minnesota.
When I returned to Minnesota to serve as superintendent of Prior Lake–Savage Area Schools, I intentionally joined MASA’s Great Start Cohort to reconnect with colleagues and continue growing alongside other leaders navigating the complexities of the superintendency. That experience reaffirmed my belief that MASA’s greatest strength lies in the relationships we build with one another.
I have been fortunate to contribute to MASA through several avenues. I currently serve as Chair of the Federal Advocacy Committee, where we work to strengthen communication with Minnesota’s congressional delegation and ensure that federal policy reflects the realities facing local school districts. I also serve as a mentor in the Aspiring Superintendent Academy and currently facilitate MASA’s Professional Dialogue Series, creating space for thoughtful conversations about leadership, policy, and the future of public education.
These experiences have only strengthened my belief that our work as school leaders requires both courage and collective support. We must always remain unwavering in our commitment to students; being unapologetic about doing what is right and necessary to ensure their success. At the same time, we must lean on one another as colleagues and partners in this work.
Public education has long been the crucible of American democracy. In our schools, young people learn not only academic knowledge, but also how to live, work, and lead in a diverse society. In a time when our communities and institutions face significant challenges, the role of public education, and the leaders who steward it, has never been more important.
If given the opportunity to serve as President-Elect, I would focus on three priorities:
Strengthening Leadership Networks
The work of system leadership can be demanding and often isolating. MASA must continue to create spaces where leaders can learn from one another, share strategies, and provide mutual support across the state of Minnesota.
Elevating Advocacy for Public Education
From state policy to federal legislation, decisions made beyond our districts increasingly shape the work we do. MASA must remain a strong and unified voice advocating for policies that allow local leaders to serve students and communities effectively.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Our profession depends on cultivating future leaders who are prepared to take on the responsibilities of district leadership. MASA’s mentorship programs, leadership academies, and professional dialogue opportunities are essential to sustaining excellence in educational leadership.
Throughout my career, one belief I learned from my grandfather has guided my work: no one person ever stands on an island unto themselves. When we support one another, share our experiences, and advocate together, we create the conditions for students and communities across Minnesota to thrive.
It would be a privilege to serve MASA and to support the leaders who dedicate their lives to the success of Minnesota’s students.
Thank you for your consideration.
Michael J. Thomas, Ed.D.
My experience with MASA includes being a part of the Great Start Cohort in 2020-21. I have presented at the MASA conference on multiple occasions. I have served on the legislative committee for the past few years. I have enjoyed participating in the Advanced Leadership Academy during this school year and have grown and affirmed connections with fellow superintendents. It would be an honor to serve MASA as the President-Elect.
If elected, my focus will be on:
- Strengthening support and mentorship for district leaders.
- Advocating for stable, equitable funding.
- Ensuring MASA reflects the needs of districts of every size.
- Elevating the voice and professionalism of Minnesota’s school administrators.
This field has given me extraordinary opportunities. Serving as your President would be my opportunity to give back – to support you, to strengthen MASA, and to help ensure public education in Minnesota remains strong for generations to come. I would be honored to earn your vote.