Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

MESPA State Officers

2022-2023 MESPA State Officers

Jason Luksik
MESPA President
Lincoln Elementary Principal

Lisa Carlson

MESPA President-Elect

Woodland Elementary School Principal

Ashley Farrington
MESPA Secretary-Treasurer
Birchview Elementary School Principal

Kenny Newby

MESPA NAESP State Representative
Forest Lake Elementary Principal

For more information on MESPA's State Officers please visit the member directory here.

2023 MESPA Elections

MESPA is seeking qualified candidates to fill two statewide positions on the MESPA Executive Committee, beginning July 1, 2023. See below to read a summary of the positions: State President-Elect and Secretary-Treasurer.

MESPA's state officers are the engine of our association. They shape MESPA's strategic direction, connect with leaders around the state and nation, and help make MESPA an association that meets the needs of the modern principal. MESPA State Officers also get to have a ton of fun! From lobbying on behalf of principals during the National Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. to touring schools around the state, MESPA State Officers are on the front lines of the principalship.

To apply for an open position, simply fill out the candidate filing form (Word, PDF, or Google Form) and email to mespa@mespa.net (or click "submit" on the Google Form) by September 16, 2022. Candidates will be notified in late September if they are selected by the elections committee to appear on the final slate of candidates. Selected candidates will campaign through Institute 2023 (February 1-3, 2023), with elections following in February.

If you have any questions about running for a position, please don't hesitate to reach out to a current executive committee member. You can read the full election process from the bylaws by clicking here.

MESPA State President-Elect (2023-28)

Summary of Responsibilities:

Five-year commitment: two as president-elect, two as president, and one as past-president
Member of the MESPA Board of Directors
Member of the MESPA Executive Committee
Chair of the MN National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award selection committee
Chair of the state officer selection committee (committee comprised of division presidents and current state president-elect)
Represent MESPA at national events: NAESP Convention, National Leaders Conference, MESPA Institute
Click here to read the full President-Elect responsibility description

MESPA Secretary-Treasurer (2023-25)

Summary of Responsibilities:

Two-year commitment
Can be re-elected one time, for a two-term maximum
Member of the MESPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee
Review MESPA financial statements and give an update at Board of Director and Annual meetings
Take minutes of all MESPA Board of Directors, Executive committee, and Annual meetings
Represent MESPA at national events: NAESP Convention, National Leaders Conference, MESPA Institute
Chair the STEM Innovation Award selection committee
Click here to read the full Secretary / Treasurer responsibility description

Being a MESPA State Officer is a blast! from lobbying on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to visiting schools around the state, there's never a dull moment. Check out the video to the left to hear former MESPA Secretary/Treasurer Jen Olson discuss highlights from her first year on the Executive Committee!

Officer Election Procedure

Elections

MESPA elections will occur in odd numbered years, as stipulated by Article V, Section 2 in our Bylaws, for President-Elect and Secretary/Treasurer no later than 15 calendar days after the MESPA Annual Meeting (February). Elections for the NAESP State Representative will be held in conjunction with MESPA officer elections.

The success of our association begins with the election of quality leadership. Exercise your membership right and vote for the MESPA candidates you believe will best represent your needs as an elementary or middle-level principal, and who will continue to assist in the development of strong association programs within the framework of our strategic goals.

Election procedure

Elections are conducted in accordance with our Bylaws (Article V, Section 2). This will be an electronic election process.

An electronic ballot will be e-mailed to all active MESPA members no later than 15 calendar days following the MESPA Annual Meeting. Voting will continue no longer than 30 calendar days following the MESPA Annual Meeting.
Votes will be tabulated electronically and verified by the MESPA Election Committee
Election results will be announced on the MESPA Web site and in the MESPA E-News.

Terms of Office

MESPA President-Elect: five-year commitment

Two years as MESPA President-Elect
Two years as MESPA President
One year as Past President

MESPA Secretary/Treasurer: two-year commitment
The officer can be re-elected one time, for a two-term maximum.

NAESP State Representative: three-year commitment The officer can be re-elected one time, for a two-term maximum.

Candidates

Learn about your candidates
Once candidates have been nominated (by September of election years), statements from each candidate will be posted on this site in early December.

Meet the candidates
During election years, you can meet the candidates at the MESPA Institute in February. Candidates will have an opportunity to speak during this conference.

For more information on leader responsibilities, visit the Leader Responsibilities Page.

MESPA is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization

1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 204
Roseville, Minnesota, 55113
952.297.8670