Press Releases - MASA

[MASA](/) * [Home](/) * [Spring Conference](/spring-conference.html) * [What's New?](/whats-new.html) * [About MASA](/about-masa.html) * [Professional Learning](/professional-learning.html) * [Newsroom](/newsroom.html) * [MASA Jobsite](https://jobsitemnasa.org/) * [At the Capitol](/at-the-capitol.html) * [Calendar](/calendar.html) * [Business Partners](/business-partners.html) * [Foundation](/foundation.html) * [Members Only](/members-only.html) * [StormReady™](/stormreadytrade.html) * [Regional Leaders](/regional-leaders.html) * [Recognition](/recognition.html) * [Crisis Communication Services](/crisis-communication-services.html) * [P-CARD PROGRAM](/p-card-program.html) * [MSDLAF+](/msdlaf.html) * [Tax Elections Strategies](/school-tax-elections.html) * [District Purchasing Hubs](/mn-district-purchasing-hubs.html) * [More](#) + [Home](/) + [Spring Conference](/spring-conference.html) + [What's New?](/whats-new.html) + [About MASA](/about-masa.html) + [Professional Learning](/professional-learning.html) + [Newsroom](/newsroom.html) + [MASA Jobsite](https://jobsitemnasa.org/) + [At the Capitol](/at-the-capitol.html) + [Calendar](/calendar.html) + [Business Partners](/business-partners.html) + [Foundation](/foundation.html) + [Members Only](/members-only.html) + [StormReady™](/stormreadytrade.html) + [Regional Leaders](/regional-leaders.html) + [Recognition](/recognition.html) + [Crisis Communication Services](/crisis-communication-services.html) + [P-CARD PROGRAM](/p-card-program.html) + [MSDLAF+](/msdlaf.html) + [Tax Elections Strategies](/school-tax-elections.html) + [District Purchasing Hubs](/mn-district-purchasing-hubs.html) [Search](#) MASA Press Releases ------------------- **2025 Press Releases**\ \ Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award\ *Sponsored by [PMA Financial Network](https://www.pmanetwork.com/) | presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ * Dr. Emily McDonald, Assistant Superintendent, Lakeville Area Public Schools\ [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2025-kay-jacobs-award.html) \ MASA Distinguished Service Award\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ * Dr. Dan Bittman, Retired Superintendent, Elk River Area School District\ [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2025-distinguished-service-award.html) \ Polaris Leadership Award\ *Sponsored by [Ehlers, Inc.](https://www.ehlers-inc.com/) | presented at the MASA Fall Conference*\ * Dr. Theresa Battle, Superintendent, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District\ *News Release Coming Soon!* \ Outstanding Central Office Administrator Award\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ Greater Minnesota Recipient * Cindy Olson, Executive Director, Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium\ [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2025-central-office-award-olson.html) \ Metro Recipient * Hope Fagerland, Executive Director of Academics, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District\ [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2025-central-office-award-fagerland.html) \ **Richard Green Scholar Award**\ *Sponsored by Cuningham | presented at the 2025 MASA Fall Conference*\ MASA’s Richard Green Scholars Program honors the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders through the award of an annual recognition for the research, writing, and presentation of one paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership.\ \ * **Kristin Dehmer, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Administrative Services, Moorhead Area Public School\ *News Release Coming Soon!***\ \ 2025 Regional Administrators of Excellence Award Recipients\ Region 1: Rachel Udstuen, Superintendent, Spring Grove Public Schools\ Region 2: Ranae Case Evenson, Superintendent, Jordan Public Schools\ Region 3: Joe Meyer, Superintendent, Murray County Central Schools\ Region 4: Rick Sansted, Superintendent, Alexandria Public Schools\ Region 5: Scott Vedbraaten, Superintendent, Browerville Public Schools\ Region 6: Brad Bergstrom, Superintendent, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools\ Region 7: Pat Rendle, Superintendent, Deer River Schools\ Region 8: Dr. Shawn Yates, Superintendent, Warroad School District\ Region 9: Dr. Kim Hiel, Superintendent, Osseo Area Schools\ \ **[Read the release here](/2025-administrators-of-excellence.html)!**\ --- **2024 Press Releases\ \ MASA Board Elections Announced! | [Full story](/2024-election-results.html)**\ \ **Minnesota Superintendent of the Year** * Dr. Joe Gothard | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/gothard-superintendent-of-the-year.html) * [](https://www.mnasa.org/gothard-superintendent-of-the-year.html)Dr. Gothard | AASA National Superintendent of the Year Finalist | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/aasa-finalist-gothard.html) \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award** * Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault, Superintendent, St. Michael-Albertville School District | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2024-kay-jacobs-award.html) **\****MASA Distinguished Service Award** * Dr. Jerry Robicheau, Term Faculty of Education, Concordia University, St. Paul | Retired Superintendent, Inver Grove Heights Community Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2024-distinguished-service-award.html) \ **Outstanding Central Office Administrator Awards** * Mr. Eric Simmons, Director of Technology Services, Chisago Lakes School District | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2024-central-office-award-simmons.html) * Dr. Jenna Mitchler Assistant Superintendent Bloomington Public Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2024-central-office-award-mitchler.html) \ **MASA Administrators of Excellence |**[News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2024-administrators-of-excellence.html) --- **2023 Press Releases:**\ **Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award** * **Dr. Matthew Hillmann, Northfield Public Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-superintendent-of-the-year.html)** \ **MASA Distinguished Service Award** * **Barb Nicol, Retired President, Barbara Nicol Public Relations | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-distinguished-service-award.html)** \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award** * **Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent, Eastern Carver County Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-kay-jacobs-memorial-award.html)** \ **Outstanding Central Office Administrator Award**\ *Greater Minnesota Recipient* * **Jamie Nord, Executive Director of the St. Croix River Education District (SCRED) | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-central-office-leader-award-greater-mn.html)** \ *Metro Recipient* * **Anthony Padrnos, Executive Director of Technology for Osseo Area Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-central-office-leader-award-metro.html)** \ **MASA Administrators of Excellence**\ **[Read the full news release here](https://www.mnasa.org/2023-regional-administrators-of-excellence.html).**\ \ * Region 1: **Erick Enger**, Superintendent, Lake City Public Schools * Region 2: **Dan Anderson**, Superintendent, Maple River Schools * Region 3: **Todd Holthaus**, Superintendent, Hills-Beaver Creek Schools * Region 4: **Jeffrey Drake**, Superintendent, Fergus Falls Public School District * Region 5: **Lee Westrum**, Superintendent, Wadena-Deer Creek Schools * Region 6: **Ann-Marie Foucault**, Superintendent, St. Michael-Albertville School District * Region 7: **Kevin Grover**, Superintendent, International Falls Schools * Region 8: **Lance Bagstad**, Superintendent, Park Rapids Area School District * Region 9: **Astein Osei**, Superintendent, St. Louis Park Public Schools --- **2022 Press Releases:**\ **Polaris Leadership Award**\ Sandra Lewandowski, Retired Superintendent, Intermediate School District 287 | [News Release](/lewandowski-polaris-award.html) | [PDF Version](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/22polaris-lewandowski.pdf)\ \ **Richard Green Scholar Award**\ Dr. Jeff Burgess, Superintendent, Mesabi East School District | [News Release](/2022-green-scholar-award.html) | PDF Version\ \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award**\ Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/kay-jacobs-memorial-award.html) | [PDF Version](https://www.mnasa.org/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/22kayjacobs-staloch.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Administrator Award**\ Kay Nelson, Assistant Superintendent, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/central-office-leader-award-greater-mn.html) | [PDF Version](https://www.mnasa.org/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/22centralofficeaward-nelson.pdf)\ \ **MASA Distinguished Service Award**\ Dr. Tom Melcher, Retired School Finance Director, Minnesota Department of Education | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/distinguished-service-award.html) | [PDF Version](https://www.mnasa.org/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/22ds-melcher.pdf)\ \ **Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award**\ Dr. Michael Funk, Superintendent, Albert Lea Area Schools | [News Release](https://www.mnasa.org/supt-of-the-year.html) | [PDF Version](http://www.mnasa.org/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/funk_soy_2022.pdf)\ \ **MASA Administrators of Excellence** **|**[Read the full news release here](https://www.mnasa.org/regional-administrators-of-excellence.html) | [PDF Version](https://www.mnasa.org/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/admin-regions-22.pdf)\ \ **2021 Press Releases:\ ****Richard Green Scholar Award**\ [View Press Release Here\ ](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/21-corneille-greenscholar.pdf)\ **Polaris Leadership Award**\ [View Press Release Here](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/21polaris-krenz.pdf)\ \ **Regional Administrators of Excellence Award**\ [View Press Release Here](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/admin-regions-21.pdf)\ \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award**\ [Laine Larson, Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/21kayjacobs-larson.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Michelle Krell, Director of Teaching and Learning of Owatonna Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/21centralofficeaward-krell.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations of White Bear Lake Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/21centralofficeaward-wald.pdf)\ \ **Superintendent of the Year**\ [Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent of the White Bear Lake Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/kazmierczak_soy_2021.pdf)\ *Sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers*\ \ **2020 Press Releases:**\ \ **Superintendent of the Year**\ [David Law, Superintendent, Anoka-Hennepin Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20_david_law_soy_pr.pdf)\ *Sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers*\ \ **MASA Polaris Leadership Award**\ [Jeffrey Olson, Superintendent, Saint Peter Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20polaris-olson.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference*\ \ **Richard Green Scholar Award**\ [Kim Hiel, Superintendent for the Fridley Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/pr_20_hiel_green_scholar.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference\ Sponsored by Cuningham Group Architecture, PA*\ \ **MASA Distinguished Service Award**\ [Gary Amoroso, Executive Director, MASA](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20_amoroso_ds.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award**\ [Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent, Intermediate School District 287](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20_lewandowski_kayjacobs.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award - Greater Minnesota**\ [Mark Diehl, Director of Information & Technology Services, Little Falls Community Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20_diehl_centralofficeaward.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award - Metro**\ [Stacie Stanley, Assistant Superintendent, Eden Prairie School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20stanley_centralofficeaward.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference*\ \ **MASA Administrator of Excellence Awards**:\ Region 1: [Michael Muñoz, Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20munoz-admin-region1.pdf)\ Region 2: [Tom Lee, Superintendent, Waseca Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20lee-admin-region2.pdf)\ Region 3: [Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent, Windom Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20wormstadt-admin-region3.pdf)\ Region 4: J[ulie Critz, Superintendent, Alexandria Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20critz-admin-region4.pdf)\ Region 5: [Jerry Nesland, Executive Director, Freshwater Education Distric](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20nesland-admin-region5.pdf)t\ Region 6: [Jamie Nord, Executive Director, St. Croix River Education District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20nord-admin-region6.pdf)\ Region 7: [Kerry Juntunen, Superintendent, Hermantown Community Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20juntunen-admin-region7.pdf)\ Region 8: [Jeffrey Lund, Superintendent, Marshall County Central Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20lund-admin-region8.pdf)\ Region 9: [Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/20osorio_admin_region.pdf)\ \ \ **2019 Press Releases:**\ **Superintendent of the Year**\ [Jay Haugen, Superintendent, Farmington School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19_soy_haugen.pdf)\ *Sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers*\ \ **MASA Polaris Leadership Award**\ [Gerald Ness, Superintendent, Fergus Falls Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19polaris-ness.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference*\ \ **Richard Green Scholar Award**\ [Michelle Mortensen, Superintendent, Renville County West Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19_green_pr19_mortensen.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference\ Sponsored by Cuningham Group Architecture, PA*\ \ **MASA Distinguished Service Award**\ [Janet Mohr, Retired Executive Director, Minnesota Board of School Administrators](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19ds-mohr.pdf)\ \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award**\ [Cindy Amoroso, Superintendent, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19kayjacobs-amoroso.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Robert McDowell, Assistant Superintendent, Stillwater Area Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19centralofficeaward-_mcdowell.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Kyle Breitkreutz, Director of Technology, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19centralofficeaward-breitkreutz.pdf)\ \ **MASA Administrator of Excellence Awards****:**\ Region 1: [Jeff Pesta, Superintendent, Kenyon-Wanamingo School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19pesta-admin-region1.pdf)\ Region 2: [Bill Adams, Superintendent, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19adams-admin-region2.pdf)\ Region 3: [Chris Fenske, Superintendent, Lakeview Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19fenske-admin-region3.pdf)\ Region 4: [Diane Cordes, Superintendent, Breckenridge Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19cordes-admin-region4.pdf)\ Region 5: [Vern Capelle, Superintendent, Upsala Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19capelle-admin-region5.pdf)\ Region 6: [Scott Thielman, Superintendent, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19thielman-admin-region6.pdf)\ Region 7: [William Crandall, Superintendent, Lake Superior & Cook County School Districts](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19crandall-admin-region7.pdf)\ Region 8: [Jeff Bisek, Superintendent, Mahnomen Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19bisek-admin-region8.pdf)\ Region 9: [Teri Staloch, Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/19staloch-admin-region9.pdf)\ \ \ **2018 Press Releases:**\ **Superintendent of the Year**\ [Deb Henton, Superintendent, North Branch Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18henton_soy.pdf)\ *Sponsored by ATS&R Planners/Architects/Engineers*\ \ **MASA Polaris Leadership Award**\ [Dr. Lynne Kovash, Superintendent, Moorhead Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18_polaris_kovash.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference*\ \ **Richard Green Scholar Award**\ [Dr. Kim Gibbons, Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), University of Minnesota](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18_green_prgibbons.pdf)\ *presented at the MASA Fall Conference\ Sponsored by Cuningham Group Architecture, PA*\ \ **MASA Distinguished Service Award**\ Governor Mark Dayton\ \ **Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award**\ [Superintendent Julia Espe, Superintendent, Princeton Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18kayjacobs_espe.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Jean Duffy, Assistant Superintendent, Becker Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18centralofficeaward_duffy.pdf)\ \ **Outstanding Central Office Leader Award**\ [Doug Johnson, Director of Technology, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18djohnsoncentralofficeaward.pdf)\ \ **MASA Administrator of Excellence Awards** **go to:**\ Region 1: [Mark Matuska, Superintendent, Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18matuska_admin_region1.pdf)\ Region 2: [Becky Cselovszki, Superintendent, St. James Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18cselovszki_admin_region2.pdf)\ Region 3: [Cliff Carmody, Executive Director, SWWC Service Cooperative](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18carmody_admin_region3.pdf)\ Region 4: [Rick Bleichner, Superintendent, Herman-Norcross Community Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18bleichner_admin_region4.pdf)\ Region 5: [Stephen Jones, Superintendent, Little Falls Community Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18jones_admin_region5.pdf)\ Region 6: [Robert Huot, Superintendent, Paynesville Area Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18huot_admin_region6.pdf)\ Region 7: [John Klarich, Superintendent, Mountain Iron-Buhl Public School](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18klarich_admin_region7.pdf)\ Region 8: [Mike Kolness, Superintendent, East Grand Forks Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18kolness_admin_region8.pdf)\ Region 9: [Peggy Flathmann, Superintendent, Fridley Public Schools](/uploads/4/7/7/9/47793163/18flathmann_admin_region9.pdf)\ \ \ \ \ \ MASAP.O. Box 427Medford, MN 55049 --------------------------------- | Hours**M-F: 8 am - 4 pm** | Phone**651-645-6272** | Office Contact**members[at]mnasa.org** | Website Contactinfo[at]mnasa.org | | --- | --- | --- | --- | * [Home](/) * [Spring Conference](/spring-conference.html) * [What's New?](/whats-new.html) * [About MASA](/about-masa.html) * [Professional Learning](/professional-learning.html) * [Newsroom](/newsroom.html) * [MASA Jobsite](https://jobsitemnasa.org/) * [At the Capitol](/at-the-capitol.html) * [Calendar](/calendar.html) * [Business Partners](/business-partners.html) * [Foundation](/foundation.html) * [Members Only](/members-only.html) * [StormReady™](/stormreadytrade.html) * [Regional Leaders](/regional-leaders.html) * [Recognition](/recognition.html) * [Crisis Communication Services](/crisis-communication-services.html) * [P-CARD PROGRAM](/p-card-program.html) * [MSDLAF+](/msdlaf.html) * [Tax Elections Strategies](/school-tax-elections.html) * [District Purchasing Hubs](/mn-district-purchasing-hubs.html)