The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) named Dr. Travis Bracht, Affton superintendent, as the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year.
The selection committee noted Dr. Bracht’s exceptional ability to connect visionary leadership with practical execution. His leadership reflects both how a superintendent can foster academic excellence while also nurturing the emotional and social health of students and staff. He was recognized for:
Transformational vision that moved Affton toward a competency-based model focused on student agency and lifelong learning.
Authentic community engagement, building strong relationships through consistent communication and transparent decision-making.
Innovative communication strategies that model accessibility and transparency in district leadership.
Commitment to equity and access, ensuring every student, regardless of background, has a pathway to success.
During his tenure, Dr. Bracht has guided the district through two strategic planning cycles centered on student well-being and academic excellence. He helped launch the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS), connecting students directly with high-demand industries. In 2025, Affton voters approved Proposition 1 with 80% support, securing $30 million in facility improvements that enhance accessibility and opportunity across all schools, reflecting years of sustained community trust.
Beyond his district, Dr. Bracht is deeply involved in educational leadership across Missouri, serving on the EducationPlus Board of Directors, the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce Board, and as past president of the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Program. He is a graduate of MASA’s Superintendent Academy and a participant in numerous professional learning cohorts, including American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent Certification Program and the CASEL SEL Fellows Program.
Dr. Bracht’s innovative communication efforts, including his weekly Affton Unplugged podcast and video updates, have strengthened connections between schools, families, and the broader community. His storytelling approach to leadership earned him national recognition as a 2022 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Superintendent to Watch and 2023 Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) Administrator of the Year.
“Dr. Bracht represents the heart of what it means to lead with integrity, innovation, and care,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Mark Penny. “His work reflects a deep commitment to student-centered leadership and a willingness to rethink systems to better serve Missouri’s children.”
Dr. Bracht will represent Missouri as the state’s nominee for the AASA Superintendent of the Year and will be recognized at the National Conference on Education in February 2026.