2026 Treasurer Candidates

I am honored and humbled to have been nominated to run for the office of Treasurer for the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). As a proud member of MASA for more than a decade, I am grateful for the professional learning, mentorship, and statewide network that have shaped my growth as a leader. Serving as Treasurer is my opportunity to give back to an organization that has invested so deeply in me, and to help ensure its continued strength for the leaders who follow.

For the past three years, I have served as the Technology Component Group Board Representative, bringing a systems perspective and a focus on strategic alignment to our work.

In addition, I have contributed through serving on the Legislative Committee, Federal Advocacy Committee, and Executive Development Committee. I have actively advocated at the Minnesota Legislature for policies that positively impact both greater Minnesota and metro districts, always mindful that legislation must strengthen public education without creating unintended burdens that limit our ability to serve students effectively.

MASA’s mission, to advocate for a world-class education for Minnesota’s learners, to serve as the leading voice for public education, to shape and influence the state and national education agenda, and to empower leaders through high-quality professional learning, services, and support, requires strong stewardship of our financial resources. My 13 years of experience supporting school systems and non-profits in maintaining financial health has centered on aligning resources with strategic priorities to move outcomes forward. I have managed complex budgets, led multi-stakeholder initiatives, and ensured fiscal decisions are transparent, sustainable, and mission-driven.

Having worked in both small districts and one of the largest districts in our state, I understand the varied complex realities our members face. This perspective will guide my work to ensure MASA’s resources are invested in ways that build K–12 leadership capacity statewide and reflect the diverse needs of our membership from small to large and metro to greater Minnesota school districts.

Strong schools build thriving communities. That belief is at the heart of my leadership and would guide my service as Treasurer. I am committed to partnering with our newly hired Executive Director, Matt Hillmann, and the Board to ensure MASA remains fiscally strong, strategically focused, and boldly positioned to advance public education in Minnesota.

I respectfully ask for your support and the opportunity to serve MASA, and the leaders and learners across our great state, in this capacity.

  MASA Treasurer: Welcoming the Opportunity to Serve Again 

It is an honor to once again be nominated for the MASA Treasurer position. Having served in this role  for the past five-plus years, I have witnessed firsthand the strong fiduciary leadership of the MASA staff  (Dr. Deb Henton and Stephanie Kastanos), particularly during the pandemic and the transition following the sale of the MASA building. Through careful stewardship and strategic investment management, the association has maintained a strong and stable financial position. 

Serving as Treasurer for both our Association and the MASA Foundation has provided valuable insight into our operations. I am proud to share that both entities have grown their fund balances while expanding programs and services to better support our members. 

The growth of MASA’s undesignated fund balance has allowed the Board to keep membership dues stable for several years while enhancing member benefits. We have strengthened crisis communication support, maintained high-quality professional development, and continued targeted programming for superintendents and component groups. The Foundation remains financially strong and continues to fund MASA’s Equity & Excellence in Education (EEE) initiative, the Mentor/Mentee Program and the MASA Professional Assistance Team. 

Strong business partnerships have helped keep conference costs affordable while allowing reinvestment into regional professional development and expanded member support. Additionally, the sale of the association’s facility mitigated significant repair costs, and the proceeds have strengthened our long term financial stability. 

During my time on the Board, I also helped lead the effort to amend the MSHSL constitution to secure two permanent appointed seats on its Board. Initiated in 2017 and realized in 2022, this change ensures MASA has a consistent voice and direct impact on Board-level decisions. 

As we transition to our new Executive Director, Dr. Matt Hillmann, maintaining stability in the  Treasurer role is especially important. With prior Board and President experience, I bring institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of our budget and financial structure. This continuity will help ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued fiscal responsibility. 

If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize sound financial stewardship, transparency, and strategic investment in services that directly benefit our members. 

It would be a privilege to continue serving MASA members as Treasurer. I remain grateful for the opportunity to represent you at both the state and national levels and would be honored to earn your support for another term.

Scott M. Thielman, Ed. D. 

Superintendent 

Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District 

Buffalo, Minnesota 

Membership/Leadership 

❖ Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA), 2002 – Present 

❖ MASA Treasurer, 2020 – Present  

❖ MASA President-Elect, President, Past President, 2015 – 2018 

❖ MASA Board of Directors, 2009 – 2015  

❖ MASA Federal Advocacy Committee, 2012 – Present 

❖ MASA Strategic Planning Committee, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021 

❖ MASA Legislative Committee, 2007- Present 

❖ AASA Minnesota Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy Coach, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2025 ❖ American Association of School Administrators (AASA), 2002 – Present 

❖ AASA Executive Committee, 2019 – 2022 

❖ AASA Governing Board, 2017 – 2019 

❖ MASA Region VI Leadership Team member, 2008 - Present 

❖ MASA Region VI Chair-Elect, Chair, Past Chair, 2008 – 2011  

❖ Board of Directors, Schools for Equity in Education, 2006 – 2024  

Employment 

❖ Superintendent, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District, Buffalo, MN, 2010 – Present ❖ Superintendent, Albany Area Schools, Albany, MN, 2006 – 2010 

❖ Superintendent, Kimball Area Schools, Kimball, MN, 2002 – 2006 

❖ Elem./M.S./H.S., Principal, Corpus Christi Independent School District, Corpus Christi, TX, 1992 – 2002 

Post-Secondary Education 

❖ Ed.D., Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 1999 

❖ M.S., Corpus Christi State University, Corpus Christi, TX, 1992 

❖ B.S., St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, 1988 

Awards/Activities and Community Involvement 

❖ MASA Region VI Administrator of Excellence Award, 2019 

❖ MASA Region VI District Leadership Award, 2017 

❖ Presenter on School Start Times at The National Conference on Adolescent Sleep, Health, and School  Start Times in Washington D.C., at the Minnesota School Boards Association Annual Conference, at the  Minnesota Sleep Society, and at the MASA winter and fall conferences, 2016 – Present 

❖ Board Member, Buffalo (Allina Health) Hospital, 2013 – 2022 

❖ Board Chair, Buffalo (Allina Health) Hospital, 2016 – 2018 

❖ Board Member and Past President, Buffalo Rotary Club, 2010 - Present