Springfield Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Springfield Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including human resources, information technology, labor relations, and strategic innovation.

Committed to academic excellence, Springfield Public Schools fosters a robust learning environment across elementary, middle, and high school levels to ensure student success throughout the Missouri region.

Leadership Roles at Springfield Public Schools

  • SPS Union President - Beverly Showell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Bret Range
  • Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer - Carrie Klanchar
  • Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer - Ben Hackenwerth
  • Beverly Showell - SPS Union President

    Beverly Showell, the SPS Union President at Springfield Public Schools, represents the collective interests of the teaching staff and educational professionals. Overseeing negotiations regarding compensation, benefits, and working conditions, the SPS Union President ensures that faculty needs remain central to district policy decisions. This leadership role involves mediating disputes and advocating for policies that enhance the professional environment for educators. By maintaining open channels of communication with the administration, Beverly Showell directly impacts the stability and morale of the school system. Showell collaborates with district leaders to address systemic challenges and improve classroom resources. Through the consistent application of labor agreements, the SPS Union President protects the rights of members while promoting a collaborative approach to educational reform. Ultimately, Showell drives the alignment between staff welfare and the broader academic goals of the district, ensuring that the workforce remains focused on student achievement.

    Bret Range - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Bret Range, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Springfield Public Schools, directs all talent acquisition and personnel management initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of educators and support staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the district maintains high-quality instructional standards across all elementary and secondary facilities. This leadership role involves managing complex labor contracts and fostering a positive workplace culture that supports long-term retention. By implementing data-driven hiring practices, Bret Range directly impacts the operational efficiency of the entire school system. Range coordinates with the Board of Education to align staffing levels with evolving enrollment trends. Through the optimization of professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the pedagogical capabilities of the workforce. Ultimately, Range secures the human capital necessary to sustain the educational mission of the district while navigating the diverse staffing requirements of a large-scale Missouri public school system.

    Carrie Klanchar - Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer

    Carrie Klanchar, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer at Springfield Public Schools, manages the administrative infrastructure supporting the district's digital transformation. Overseeing the scheduling and communication workflows for the technology department, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer ensures seamless coordination between technical teams and district leadership. This role involves facilitating the deployment of classroom hardware and software systems that support modern pedagogical needs. By streamlining internal processes, Carrie Klanchar directly impacts the speed and reliability of information technology services across all school sites. Klanchar maintains critical documentation for infrastructure projects and monitors compliance with data security protocols. Through the management of executive correspondence and project timelines, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer enables the technology department to focus on scaling digital resources. Ultimately, Klanchar provides the organizational foundation required to maintain robust connectivity and digital learning tools throughout the entire district.

    Ben Hackenwerth - Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

    Ben Hackenwerth, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Springfield Public Schools, architects the long-term vision and modernization efforts for the district. Overseeing the development of new academic programs and operational efficiencies, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer ensures the school system adapts to changing demographic and technological landscapes. This leadership role involves analyzing performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improvement across all grade levels. By spearheading pilot initiatives and curriculum enhancements, Ben Hackenwerth directly impacts the competitive positioning of the district within the Missouri education market. Hackenwerth coordinates with the Board of Education to translate strategic goals into actionable classroom outcomes. Through the integration of innovative teaching methodologies, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, Hackenwerth drives the strategic evolution of the district, ensuring that all schools remain equipped to meet the diverse needs of the student population.
    Ben Hackenwerth

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Springfield Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Springfield Public Schools?
    Springfield Public Schools is led by Beverly Showell (SPS Union President), along with executives such as Bret Range (Chief Human Resources Officer) and Carrie Klanchar (Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Springfield Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Springfield Public Schools includes leaders such as Beverly Showell (SPS Union President), Bret Range (Chief Human Resources Officer), Carrie Klanchar (Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Springfield Public Schools have?
    Springfield Public Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Springfield Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Springfield Public Schools includes roles such as SPS Union President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer.