Leadership Overview
Springfield Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, human resources, 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.
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
Beverly Showell - SPS Union President
Beverly Showell, the SPS Union President at Springfield Public Schools, represents the interests of educators and staff members in collective bargaining and policy discussions. Advocating for fair compensation, improved working conditions, and professional autonomy, Showell facilitates productive dialogue between union members and district administration. This leadership role involves mediating disputes, interpreting contract language, and ensuring adherence to established labor agreements. By championing the needs of the workforce, Beverly Showell contributes to a stable and motivated educational environment. The SPS Union President also participates in district-wide committees to influence decisions regarding curriculum implementation and school safety protocols. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, Showell secures support for initiatives that enhance the daily experiences of teachers and students alike. This position remains essential for maintaining collaborative relationships that drive the overall success of the district across all Missouri school facilities.
Carrie Klanchar - Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer
Carrie Klanchar, the Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer at Springfield Public Schools, manages administrative workflows for the district technology department. Coordinating complex schedules and communication channels, Klanchar facilitates seamless operations between the Chief Information Officer and various technical teams. This role involves maintaining documentation for district-wide digital infrastructure projects and ensuring information security protocols remain current. By streamlining internal processes, Carrie Klanchar supports the efficient deployment of educational software and hardware across all Springfield campuses. The Exective Secretary for Chief Information Officer also monitors departmental budgets and tracks project milestones to align with broader district goals. Through meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving, Klanchar enables the technology division to focus on enhancing classroom connectivity and digital learning resources for students and faculty throughout the entire Missouri school system.
Bret Range - Chief Human Resources Officer
Bret Range, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Springfield Public Schools, directs talent acquisition, employee retention, and professional development initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of educators and support staff, Range ensures the district maintains a high-quality workforce capable of meeting diverse student needs. This leadership position involves managing labor contracts, benefits administration, and compliance with state education regulations. By implementing strategic hiring practices, Bret Range strengthens the organizational culture and promotes long-term staff stability. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with district leadership to address staffing challenges and optimize personnel allocation across elementary and secondary schools. Through data-driven workforce planning, Range improves operational efficiency and fosters an environment conducive to academic achievement. This role remains vital for maintaining the professional standards required to support the extensive educational mission of the district within the Missouri landscape.
Ben Hackenwerth - Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
Ben Hackenwerth, the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Springfield Public Schools, architects long-term growth plans and integrates modern pedagogical advancements into the district curriculum. Driving the adoption of new educational technologies and instructional models, Hackenwerth ensures the district remains at the forefront of K-12 innovation. This role involves analyzing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and designing pilot programs that enhance student engagement. By fostering partnerships with external organizations, Ben Hackenwerth expands the resources available for specialized learning tracks and alternative school programs. The Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer also coordinates with the Board of Education to align strategic goals with community expectations and fiscal realities. Through continuous evaluation of market trends and educational research, Hackenwerth optimizes district operations to better serve the diverse student population across the Missouri region, ultimately securing a competitive and effective future for the entire school system.

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