HISTORY OF MSOPA

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 MSOPA was formed in 1985 as the Metropolitan Superintendents’ Office Personnel Association, replacing a short-lived prior group called the Superintendent’s Secretary Networking Group. The first president of MSOPA was Pauline Hocks. Meetings were held monthly and hosted by school districts throughout the state. The name of the organization was changed in 2006 to Minnesota Superintendents’ Office Personnel Association. Membership has grown from 20-40 members in the 2010-2015 era to now close to 120 members in 2024. To accommodate the increased membership from greater Minnesota, virtual sessions are held during the year culminating with the Annual Spring Conference at an in-person location.  

 Presidents (Including President-Elect and Past Presidents)

Beth Anderson

Sharon Arends

Mary Aulie

Lucille Balombiny

Kathy Bergstrom

Nancy Bjerke

Cindy Bennett

Susan Bodurtha

Deb Bunkholt

Kim Cavallaro

Kim Cheney

Colleen Erickson

Amy Guise (Current President)

Pauline Hocks (MSOPA’s 1st President)

Cindy Hidlebaugh

Dawn Hoium

Lori Jensen

Harriet Johnson

Jody Josephson

Jami Kenney

Phyllis Lampson

Mary Landeberg

Elaine Lerdall

Rachael Markuson (Current President-Elect)

Susie Matachek

Judy Miller

Tammy Oliver

Jody Reber

Sara Skar (Current Past President)

Tricia Stelter

Pat Taylor

Georgia Terwilliger

Anita Underberg

Cathy Wilkinson

Evy Zacher

Secretaries (including Membership Secretaries & Recording Secretaries)

Mary Aulie

Deb Becker (Current Secretary)

Kathy Bergstrom

Nancy Bjerke

Susan Bodurtha

Michelle Erickson

Sue Hillstrom

Harriet Johnson

Kathy Johnson

Kaitlin Lanners

Hope Mack

Judy Miller

Kathy Mutch

Alyssa Myers

Cassandra Quam

Pam Scott

Pam Tomaszewski

Martha Walz

Evy Zacher

Linda Zahradka

Treasurers

Sandy Abrahamson

Linda Berg

Karen Enerson

Pam Gantz

Claudia Henry

Lori Jensen (Current Treasurer)

Phyllis Hussong

Karen Moss

Hazelle Nyberg

Jan Paulson

Anita Underberg

Cathy Wilkinson

Evie Zacher

Linda Zahradka

Communications Officers

Cassandra Quam (Current Communications Officer)

Chairs of the Superintendent’s Secretary Networking Group

Hazel Nyberg (1984-1985)

Muriel Senn (1983-1984)

 The Minnesota Superintendents’ Office Personnel Association (MSOPA) has instituted an award to recognize one outstanding administrative/executive assistant to a superintendent in a Minnesota school district each year.  The Administrative Assistant of the Year is someone who has provided an extraordinary level of support to their supervisors and service to their school district.

Award Criteria:

Nominees for MSOPA Administrative Assistant of the Year should:

• Be viewed as an integral member of the district’s administrative team, providing invaluable support to the superintendent/school board.
• Partner with fellow employees to help create a positive and collaborative atmosphere in the district office.
• Serve as an excellent representative of the school district in any interactions with the public and parents.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out special projects or initiatives.
• Be an active participant in the MSOPA organization.

Past Winners

2025 Winner: Jody Josephson, Centennial Schools

2024 Winner: Anita Underberg, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools

2023 Winner: Dawn Hoium, Columbia Heights Public Schools

2022 Winner: Linda Berg, Intermediate School District 917

2021 Winner: Jody Reber, White Bear Lake Area Schools

2019 Winner: Lori Jensen, Farmington Area Public Schools

2018 Winner: Martha Walz, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

2017 Winner: Linda Zahradka, Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District