February 5th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri State High School Activities Association marked a major milestone Wednesday, celebrating 100 years of overseeing interscholastic activities across the state.
MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad shared a message with Missourians Wednesday morning reflecting on the organization’s century-long role in supporting student athletics and activities.
During her remarks, Dr. Rukstad also addressed recent legislative developments involving the association. She noted that two hearings are scheduled to take place, one before the House Committee on Government Efficiency and another in the Senate Education Committee.
The hearings center on Senate Bill 863, which would establish new provisions governing organizations that facilitate interscholastic athletic activities for public secondary school students. The bill defines an “activities association” as a statewide nonprofit organization that includes at least one public school, charter school, or school district as a paying member and primarily oversees interscholastic athletic activities. Under SB 863, an activities association would be overseen by a five-member board of directors appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The board would be established within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for administrative purposes, with DESE providing staff and financial support. Board members would serve four-year terms, with initial appointments staggered. The proposed board would have authority to hire an executive director, serve as an independent appeals body for association decisions, and act as an intermediary for collecting and distributing public school funds. The bill would prohibit public schools and districts from making direct payments to an activities association and would require the association to submit detailed financial statements to the board three times per year.
Dr. Rukstad said Senator Jason Bean, the sponsor of SB 863, has indicated both privately and publicly that his goal is to create an appeals board independent of MSHSAA. She added that Representative Bennie Cook, sponsor of a similar House bill, HB 2278, has expressed interest in considering a comparable approach and has asked for input.
As MSHSAA marks its 100th anniversary, Dr. Rukstad is urging local officials, school leaders, and community members to contact their state senators and voice opposition to SB 863, saying the proposal could significantly change how high school activities are governed in Missouri.