The announcement took Travis Bracht, Affton School District’s superintendent, by surprise. He was attending the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA)’s fall conference on Oct. 25 when, during an awards banquet, he was named the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year.

“(My reaction) was one of reflection,” Bracht said. “As much as it was a surprise, you don’t often get to sit in the moment and read about the things they think are noteworthy. It really gave me the time to pause and reflect.”

Bracht was selected as the recipient for this honor — one of the highest honors for a superintendent — by the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Now, he will be recognized at the national conference in February, where all the selected superintendents from each state will gather. One will be awarded the national title.

“This is the result of years of dedicated, impactful leadership,” said Jay Laue, a business and marketing teacher at Affton High School. “Dr. Bracht is a leader who effectively implements our district strategy into classroom success. He empowers the Affton School District by providing the resources and trust necessary to elevate the work of both students and staff.” 

Emily Grozdanic, who has served as the president of the Affton Parents Club for the last three years, says that Bracht has helped bring attention to the organization in multiple ways: having them on the Affton Unplugged podcast, appearing at events, highlighting the club’s work on social media and more. She also says he has worked to develop the One Affton initiative, which unites the small community within the district.

For Bracht, he’s proudest of the social-emotional aspects of what he does at the Affton School District. He says the mental and emotional well-being — of both students and faculty — has been a priority during his tenure.

“It’s not just about academics and test scores,” Bracht said. “We have to take care of kids. We have to take care of staff. And that’s how you get them to perform well — you take care of them.”

And while he didn’t have a speech prepared at the fall conference where he received the award, the thing Bracht was certain to hammer home was that this honor is not solely for him: it’s a reflection of Affton at large.

“I made a point to say that I only accept this award on behalf of the Affton staff, students, parents and community,” Bracht said. “I certainly don’t believe that this award is given to an individual because of their individual accomplishments. It’s hard to accept something and feel like you’re solely deserving of it. That’s what I want the community to know. I share this with everyone.”