During the February 26th Board of Education meeting, the Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education proudly presented Mrs. Melissa Hildebrand, Associate Superintendent, with the Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education Recognition Award of Excellence.
The recognition follows her recent selection as the Greater St. Louis Region Assistant Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).
This prestigious regional honor recognizes exceptional central office leaders who demonstrate outstanding educational leadership, meaningful contributions to their districts, and an unwavering commitment to students, staff, and community.
Mrs. Hildebrand has dedicated 21 years of service to Hillsboro R-3. Over the course of her career, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening academic systems, expanding student support services, guiding facility improvements, and advancing initiatives that directly benefit students and families.
Her leadership contributions include:
Guiding districtwide grade-level realignments to strengthen academic alignment and ensure smooth transitions for students and staff.
Expanding counseling and social work services to better support the connection between emotional wellness and academic success.
Promoting professional growth and mentorship for educators across Jefferson County and the Greater St. Louis region.
Supporting district participation in the Women in Leadership Conference and advocating for women in educational leadership roles.
Serving in multiple building-level leadership roles, including Alternative High School Principal, Elementary Principal, and Assistant Principal at both the intermediate and high school levels.
Providing stability and collaborative leadership as Co-Superintendent during the 2018–2019 school year.
Board members noted that Mrs. Hildebrand’s leadership style reflects both strategic vision and a deep personal commitment to students. Her steady, thoughtful approach has helped position Hillsboro R-3 for continued growth while keeping student achievement and well-being at the center of every decision.
Mrs. Hildebrand will be formally recognized alongside other regional honorees at the MASA/MOSPRA Spring Conference on March 18th.
The Hillsboro R-3 School District congratulates Mrs. Hildebrand on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for more than two decades of dedicated service to the students, families, and staff of our community.