A Discussion with MSHSAA Board Members

MSHSAA All-Access Podcast: Board Members Reflect on Appeals, Leadership, and Strategic Planning

Following the September MSHSAA board meeting, the All-Access Podcast features board members Craig Gibbs (Southeast District, principal at Valle Catholic), Dr. Lori Wilson (new member, Southwest District, superintendent of Ozark School District), and Dr. Josh Hoener (South Central District, superintendent of New Haven) discussing key themes from the meeting. Wilson shares first-time lessons from the student appeals process, emphasizing applying bylaws fairly while ensuring schools and families feel heard. Gibbs, in his first meeting as board president, describes increased preparation, managing agendas, and adhering to Missouri Sunshine Law and proper closed-session procedures. Hoener reflects on seven years of service, noting turnover, longer and deeper board discussions, and a shift toward examining practices through strategic planning. The group discusses changing pressures on schools since COVID, accountability, evolving learning models, member-school engagement, and the complex tradeoffs in playoff structures, including geographic representation, travel, and equity across Missouri’s diverse schools.