Dr. Michelle Hubbard, Shawnee Mission Unified School District 512’s superintendent, has been named the 2024 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, the Kansas School Superintendents Association (KSSA) announced Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Hubbard became superintendent of Shawnee Mission USD 512 on July 1, 2021. Prior to assuming the role of superintendent, she served as deputy superintendent and associate superintendent of leadership and learning for USD 512.

Hubbard also served as superintendent of Turner USD 202 and spent time as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, high school principal, high school assistant principal and elementary principal.

Shawnee Mission USD 512 has more than 26,000 students and employs more than 3,500 staff members, according to the district’s website. The district is comprised of 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, as well as a day school, alternative school, technical center and early childhood center.

Hubbard was one of 16 superintendents in June nominated by her peers for the award. Hubbard and eight other nominees completed the application process. Earlier this month, Hubbard, Don Potter, superintendent of Circle USD 375, and Kellen Adams, superintendent of Leavenworth USD 453, were announced as the three finalists.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers for my work as superintendent in the Shawnee Mission School District,” Hubbard had said about being named a finalist. “There are so many great superintendents in the state advocating for kids every single day. I feel so grateful to be included on this list. Every day, I feel fortunate to come to work with amazing students and staff in my community. I hope this recognition shines a spotlight on all the incredible work happening in Shawnee Mission and across the state to support student achievement and make our public schools great places to learn.”

One of Hubbard’s focus areas as superintendent has been on the achievement of Market Value Assets (MVA) by graduating seniors, according to Shawnee Mission’s website (smsd.org). The district has set a goal that 100% of its seniors (or about 1,800 students) will graduate with an MVA by 2028. In 2021, 40% of students reached that goal, and in 2022, 47% of students graduated with an MVA.

“Dr. Hubbard credits this success to the district's intentional focus and investment in seeing this outcome improve,” according to the Shawnee Mission website. “The district hired a business liaison, real-world learning counselors at each high school, purchased computer platforms, developed implementation teams and enacted communication plans. This year, SMSD is working toward 60% of students graduating with an MVA.”

Candidates for the Superintendent of the Year title are assessed according to their professionalism, communication, community involvement and leadership while meeting the local community’s needs, as well as their students. 

As Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Hubbard’s application now will be considered for the American Association of School Superintendents for the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year award. National finalists will be announced in January 2024.