Springfield Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Beverly Showell, the SPS Union President at Springfield Public Schools, represents the interests of educators and staff in negotiations regarding contracts, working conditions, and professional standards. Advocating for fair compensation and supportive classroom environments, the SPS Union President maintains a collaborative dialogue with district administration to resolve grievances and improve morale. This leadership role involves organizing member feedback and translating collective needs into actionable policy proposals. By championing the rights of teachers, Beverly Showell directly influences the stability and effectiveness of the district workforce. The SPS Union President also participates in strategic planning sessions to ensure that labor perspectives remain integrated into broader educational reforms. Through consistent engagement with school board members and district leadership, Showell secures essential protections for staff members. This commitment to labor advocacy ensures that Springfield Public Schools maintains a professional atmosphere where educators feel empowered to deliver high-quality instruction to every student within the district.

Bret Range, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Springfield Public Schools, manages all personnel operations and talent acquisition strategies for the district. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that every school maintains a high-quality teaching staff. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering a positive workplace culture across all elementary, middle, and high school campuses. By implementing data-driven hiring practices, Bret Range directly impacts the quality of instruction provided to students. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with district leadership to align staffing levels with evolving educational needs. Through the optimization of benefits administration and employee relations, Range secures the operational stability required for effective classroom instruction. This focus on human capital management remains central to the mission of Springfield Public Schools, ensuring that the district attracts and retains top-tier educators to serve the diverse student population.

Carrie Klanchar, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer at Springfield Public Schools, coordinates administrative workflows and communication channels for the district technology department. Managing scheduling, documentation, and inter-departmental correspondence, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless operations for the technology leadership team. This role involves organizing critical data infrastructure projects and supporting the implementation of digital learning tools across all district facilities. By streamlining executive tasks, Carrie Klanchar enables the technology department to focus on enhancing network security and classroom connectivity. The Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer also acts as a primary point of contact for stakeholders seeking information on district-wide digital initiatives. Through meticulous record-keeping and project tracking, Klanchar supports the overarching goal of integrating modern technology into the educational experience. This administrative oversight ensures that the technology department remains responsive to the needs of students, teachers, and staff throughout the entire Springfield school system.

Ben Hackenwerth, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Springfield Public Schools, designs long-term academic roadmaps and implements creative solutions to improve student outcomes. Overseeing curriculum development, pilot programs, and district-wide modernization efforts, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer drives the adoption of forward-thinking educational models. This leadership role involves analyzing performance metrics to identify areas for growth and scaling successful initiatives across elementary, middle, and high schools. By fostering partnerships with community organizations and technology providers, Ben Hackenwerth expands the resources available to the district. The Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer also collaborates with the superintendent to align strategic goals with the evolving needs of the Missouri educational landscape. Through the continuous evaluation of instructional efficacy, Hackenwerth ensures that Springfield Public Schools remains at the forefront of academic innovation. This focus on strategic planning and creative problem-solving supports the district mission to provide a rigorous and relevant education for all students.