(Lake Ozark, Missouri, March 24, 2021) The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) has selected Dr. Kevin Carl, Superintendent of the Hancock Place Public Schools (South St. Louis County), as the recipient of the annual Robert L. Pearce Award for 2021. A committee of his peers selected Dr. Carl. Each of the eight MASA districts nominated a superintendent for the award.
Dr. Carl attained his undergraduate degree from Maryville University in 1993. In 1997 he attained his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He completed his Specialist Degree in 2003 and his Doctorate in Education Leadership in 2006, both respectively from St. Louis University.
Dr. Carl began his career in education administration as an assistant principal at the City of St. Charles Schools and he continued as a middle school principal for that district. Dr. Carl went on to serve as a principal at Northwest R-I School District and later he became an assistant superintendent for Northwest R-I. In 2011, Dr. Carl was named the superintendent of Hancock Place School District and he continues to serve in that role.
Dr. Carl shared his philosophy of education is centered on preparing students for what lies ahead 15-20 years in the future. He urges his leadership team and staff to always consider the “why” of their work and how it will positively impact students. Dr. Carl has overseen district-wide implementation of technology with a focus on students ability to navigate the new technology, but equally important, to think critically and analytically to develop solutions to issues not yet even considered.
In his application for the Pearce Award, Dr. Carl shared that the greatest challenge of his district is generational poverty and the negative impacts such poverty has on student well-being, physically, socially and intellectually. While the school district cannot eliminate poverty, they have set into motion such programs as the Hancock Place (on-site) Medical Clinic, allowing young people to get much of the basic medical assistance they need. Addressing student health can directly lead to improved academic achievement. It is worth noting that Hancock Place has seen improvement in the Annual Performance Report and MAP scores over the course of 2014-2019.
During his time with Hancock Place, Dr. Carl has placed significant emphasis on staff professional development, especially in the field of technology. Dr. Carl has also worked to improve communications with staff, parents and the community. The district worked closely with the Lemay Chamber of Commerce to create the community publication, The Lemay Community Link. The publication delivers important information about the schools and community quarterly to every mailbox within the district. The district also uses Canvas, a learning management system that has been vitally important during the pandemic.
Dr. Carl specifically noted the importance of elevating the teaching profession. Dr. Carl shared, “Public education and educators have always been in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the respect, appreciation and admiration teachers most deserve has been overshadowed by a wave of criticism brought forth by those with anti-public schools agendas.” Hancock Place emphasizes a positive work environment that embraces a family atmosphere, competitive compensation and benefits, and means to help employees maintain a life-work balance.
Dr. Carl is an active member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) and served as the Spring Conference Committee Chair from 2013-2016. Dr. Carl currently sits on the Education Plus Board of Directors. Dr. Carl is a member of several education associations and is active in state-level professional development activities.
Dr. Carl is active in the Lemay Chamber of Commerce, the “Aging Ahead” Board of Directors, and the “Feed My People” Foundation Board.
The Pearce Award includes a monetary award to the recipient and a scholarship for a student in the district of the award winner.
Dr. Carl is the 35rd recipient of the prestigious Robert L. Pearce Award.
Other 2021 Pearce Award Nominees, including their school districts and MASA District:
Becky Albrecht, Maryville R-II (Northwest)
Richard Asbill , Cassville (Southwest)
Susan Crooks, Leeton R-X (West Central)
Chuck Garner , Gasconade County R-II (South Central)
John Link , Jackson R-II (Southeast)
Kenny Rodrequez, Grandview C-4 (Greater Kansas City)
Andy Turgeon , Knox Co R-I (Northeast)
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