Gretchen Hill, Director of Special Services for the Farmington R-7 School District, received the Early Career Special Education Administrator of the Year Award by the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education (Mo-CASE) Sunday in Lake of the Ozarks.

The statewide award honors exceptional educators in special education leadership who have served in administrative roles for five years or less. It recognizes leaders who demonstrate exemplary vision, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to supporting students with special needs and their families.

Since stepping into her role as Director of Special Services, Hill has led initiatives to expand student support services, streamline individualized education program (IEP) processes, and empower specialized staff across the district. Her hands-on leadership style and proactive advocacy have significantly enhanced inclusive learning environments throughout Farmington schools.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award, but it is truly a reflection of the extraordinary team I get to work with every day," said Hill. "I share this with my incredible process coordinators whose daily trust, support, and willingness to embrace new ideas make our work possible. I am also profoundly grateful to our other district administrators, especially Dr. Ashley Krause, Mrs. Shana Turner, and Mrs. Amanda Sheets for their unwavering guidance and support, and to our Board of Education for their unwavering commitment to our Special Services department and our students."

The Mo-CASE Outstanding New Special Education Administrator Award is presented annually at the association’s state conference, bringing together educational leaders from across Missouri to celebrate excellence and innovation in special education administration.