In September 2025, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents launched a new pilot program: the M.A.S.S. Superintendent Support Network (MSSN).
The program engages a selected cadre of sitting superintendents in a year-long, structured group model to strengthen their practice and learn strategies to address persistent challenges.
MSSN is built on a collaborative culture of mutual support, strategic thinking, and professional growth. The program is designed to enhance superintendents’ access to the resources and collegial relationships they need to navigate the complexities of school district leadership.
Participants
- 24 superintendents from across the Commonwealth are participating in the pilot program.
- Participants must have completed at least three years as a Superintendent.
- There is no cost to participants for the program during the pilot year.
Cohort model
- Participants are organized into three small, confidential cohorts of eight members.
- Each cohort is supported by 2-3 veteran Superintendent Facilitators.
- Participants convened in September 2025 for a full-day, in-person orientation.
- Each cohort meets virtually on a monthly basis, for 1.5 – 2 hours.
- Monthly meetings provide opportunities for participants to share, listen, and learn as colleagues discuss problems of practice and specific challenges they face.
- Participants support one another by sharing experiences and brainstorming strategies and solutions using a structured protocol.
Superintendent Facilitators:
- are veteran district leaders who are currently leading a district or recently retired;
- create safe, respectful spaces for dialogue;
- guide the group process in each monthly cohort meeting;
- ensure that each meeting remains focused, productive, and responsive to the needs of participants;
- provide participants with individualized support as needed, to supplement the small group work.
Superintendent Facilitators, 2025-2026:
- Sue Charochak
- Eric Conti
- Karen Crebase
- Peter Dillon
- Linda Dwight
- Barbara Malkas
- Thea Stovell Herndon
MSSN was developed in alignment with the M.A.S.S. strategic plan to “build superintendent centered wrap-around support systems and programs that include relationships and collaboration with all allies and partners so superintendents are able to confront their challenges and lead their school districts.”
If you have questions, please contact Sue Charochak, scharochak@gmail.com.
