MoASSP Messenger
January 17 , 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the first edition of the Messenger in 2025. This year marks a significant milestone for MoASSP as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. We will honor our rich legacy throughout the year while setting the stage for the next century of service and impact.
The new year has started with challenges for many of you due to the weather. Some of you may have had only a day or two back at school since the break. Reflecting on my early years as an assistant principal at Lebanon Junior High School, I recall a similar winter when we missed most of January. That was before the advent of AMI days, and we ended up extending the school year into mid-June. Let’s hope Missouri weather shows us some favor as the winter progresses.
This week has been eventful for both MoASSP and developments at the state capitol. Details are included in this edition of the Messenger, so be sure to check them out. Additionally, please join me in welcoming two new advertisers to the Messenger. Take a moment to visit their websites and learn more about their offerings.
High school principals, Scholar letters were mailed yesterday, so be on the lookout for those. See details below.
We have a full slate of activities and events planned to help engage you. From Advocacy Day in February to an expanding lineup of online networks and the 52nd Annual Spring Conference, there are many opportunities to get involved. As always, we encourage you to connect and grow with your fellow administrators.
This weekend, Chris and I are attending the Great Lakes meeting in Chicago, where we are gathering with colleagues from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota. This annual meeting provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
I hope you enjoy the extra day this weekend as we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the upcoming Inauguration. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year for MoASSP and Missouri education.
Clark
Over 700 Missouri Scholars 100 mailings have been sent to high schools across the state, kicking off the nomination process for this prestigious recognition. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your outstanding students. Ensure your nominations reach the MoASSP office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025. To avoid potential weather-related delays, early submission is strongly encouraged. Late submissions, including those affected by weather, will not be accepted. Let’s honor Missouri’s brightest scholars. Please call 573-445-5071 or email us at moassp@moassp.org with questions.
"Securing Missouri’s future means strengthening public education and expanding school choice so that every single student has the opportunity to get a world class education. Whether it’s a four-year college or career technical education, schools that teach kids how to think—not what to think—are the key to long-term self-reliance." ~~Governor Kehoe
The legislative session is officially underway, and Jefferson City is buzzing with activity. On Monday, Mike Kehoe was sworn in as Missouri’s 58th Governor. During his inauguration, Governor Kehoe emphasized his priorities, including school choice and tax cuts. MoASSP, along with our education partners, will closely monitor developments at the Capitol over the next five months. Check out the video below for Governor Kehoe’s 10-minute inauguration speech. Buckle up—it’s shaping up to be an interesting and eventful legislative session. As a reminder, the Legislative Bulletin will be sent Monday mornings versus Friday afternoons. If you didn't receive the Bulletin on Monday, please email moassp@moassp.org.
The MoASSP Board of Directors convened Tuesday and Wednesday this week to advance several initiatives and approve key agenda items:
The board officially approved a three-year strategic plan structured around the Balanced Scorecard framework. This plan includes four focus areas, each defined by SMART goals, prioritized strategies, and metrics to track quarterly progress. The four focus areas are as follows:
- Membership Growth and Engagement
- Advocacy
- Financial Sustainability
- Leadership Development
This roadmap aligns with MoASSP’s ongoing mission—more details to come.
Fee Updates for 2025-2026 School Year
- Exhibitor Fees: Increased by $25, to $500.
- Conference Fees: Increased by $26, to $325.
- Membership Dues: Remain unchanged at $315.
Executive Director’s Contract Extension: Following a positive evaluation, the board extended Executive Director Clark Mershon’s contract through June 30, 2028.
Presentations
Members heard two excellent presentations.
These updates, alongside the ongoing celebration of MoASSP’s 100th anniversary, demonstrate the board's commitment to improving secondary education and supporting principals across Missouri.
During the recent board meeting, regional checks for Quarter 2 were presented to regional board members, totaling $4,470. MoASSP provides $30 back to each region for every new and renewed member, supporting a stronger network for members to stay connected and grow. This quarter saw 149 new and renewed members joining the association. A reminder: MoASSP now operates on a rolling membership basis—join today and your membership will expire one year from the date of joining or renewing. Let’s continue building a robust regional network together!
Join one of MoASSP's new online networks tailored for practitioners like you.
Whether you're a rural educator, a woman in leadership, or a middle school leader, these FREE networks provide a space to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities with like-minded professionals.
- Missouri Rural Leaders Network Chat
- Women in Leadership Network
- Middle School Leadership Network
Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers who understand your journey. New links will be provided soon for those who would like to join one of these networks.
Last week, all members received an email from School Info introducing you to the MoASSP app – a powerful tool designed to foster conversations within your region and across the state. If you haven't had a chance to explore it yet, now's the perfect time to do so. Click on the link in the email to access the app and discover a platform that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and growth. We've also provided a link for you to conveniently place the app on your desktop, ensuring that you can easily access it whenever you need it. What's even more exciting is that the conversations on the app are protected from Sunshine Law requests, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, engage, and expand your network. Start your journey towards personal and professional growth with the MoASSP app today.
