In education, true leadership often begins far from the superintendent’s office. It starts in classrooms filled with questions, curiosity, and the daily challenge of reaching every child. For Dr. Chrystal Mayfield, that’s where her story took shape. Long before she led the Strasburg C-3 School District, she was the teacher rolling out basketballs in the gym, guiding health lessons, and watching young minds light up when learning made sense. She also spent many seasons coaching Varsity Volleyball and Softball, bringing teamwork and discipline to life on the court and field. The last ten years of her teaching career were spent in the middle school science classroom, where her love for discovery and hands-on learning inspired students daily.
Her career began in 1997, after earning a B.S. in Education from Missouri Western State University. Those early years grounded her in what matters most: connection. Her creativity in teaching soon earned recognition through the MOAPHERD Exemplary Physical Education Program Award and the Missouri STOM Excellence in Teaching Middle School Science Award. Most recently, Dr. Mayfield was honored as the Missouri K-8 Administrator of the Year. But even as her classroom thrived, she felt the pull to lead change on a broader scale.
That drive led her to pursue advanced degrees in educational leadership, culminating in an Ed.D. from William Woods University. Her dissertation, The Power of Voices: The Female Perspective of the Superintendency, became a reflection of her mission, which is to lead with empathy, equity, and conviction. Today, as Superintendent of Strasburg C-3, Dr. Mayfield continues to turn those ideals into daily action.
Leading with Intent and Integrity
As Superintendent, Dr. Mayfield wears many hats, each tied to a single goal, creating the best possible learning experience for every student. She oversees curriculum, budgeting, staff development, and community relations while keeping a steady focus on academic growth and student well-being. Collaboration is her foundation.
In a small district, she believes relationships fuel success. “When teachers, families, and the community work together, real progress happens,” she says. Among her proudest achievements are expanding STEM and literacy programs, aligning curriculum across grade levels, and building a culture that celebrates both learning and leadership.
Building Systems That Inspire Learning
Since stepping into her role, Dr. Mayfield has led with a clear purpose, which is to make learning consistent, engaging, and deeply connected to student needs. One of her first priorities was aligning the district’s literacy, math, and science curriculum so that learning builds smoothly from one grade to the next. She also introduced a district-wide Response to Intervention framework, helping teachers identify learning gaps early and tailor support for every student.
“We use data to guide, not define, our teaching,” she explains. From adding a full-time counselor and literacy specialist to launching Project Lead The Way for middle school STEM, her initiatives reflect a balance between academic rigor and emotional growth.
A Vision Grounded in Growth and Community
Dr. Mayfield’s vision for Strasburg C-3 reaches beyond the classroom walls. Looking toward 2026 and beyond, she envisions a district where strong academics meet real-world readiness, and where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to achieve more. Her plan focuses on five core priorities: strengthening literacy and STEM learning, expanding career readiness, and ensuring that technology enhances both instruction and access.
“We want every child to leave Strasburg prepared for the future, not just the next grade,” she says. By pairing clear data goals with a culture of belonging and teacher leadership, Dr. Mayfield continues to shape a district defined by both excellence and heart.
Equity at the Heart of Every Decision
For Dr. Mayfield, equity is not a concept; it is a daily practice woven into every decision she makes. In a small, rural district like Strasburg C-3, she believes fairness begins with understanding each student’s story. By using data to identify learning gaps and track progress, her team directs support where it is needed most.
“Equity means every student gets what they need to thrive,” she explains. From adding a district counselor and Title Reading Teacher to expanding STEM access through Project Lead The Way, Dr. Mayfield ensures that opportunity reaches every classroom, every learner, and every home.
Measuring Progress with Purpose
Dr. Mayfield believes that numbers only matter when they tell a story about growth. At Strasburg C-3, she leads a continuous, data-driven approach to improvement where every decision connects back to student success. Teachers and administrators meet regularly to review state assessments, I-Ready benchmarks, and classroom data, using results to shape instruction and interventions.
“Data helps us see each student clearly,” she notes. Beyond academics, Dr. Mayfield tracks attendance, engagement, and school climate to understand how students feel and function within their learning environment. These insights guide the district’s improvement plan and ensure that progress remains both measurable and meaningful.
Leading through Uncertainty
Dr. Mayfield faced her greatest leadership test on her first day as Superintendent of Strasburg C-3 in July 2020. Stepping into a new district during a global pandemic, she confronted the challenge of reopening schools, addressing learning gaps, and supporting exhausted staff while building trust within a community that barely knew her.
“The first year taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers,” she reflects. By listening, communicating openly, and keeping students at the center of every decision, she guided the district through uncertainty and laid the foundation for a culture of collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose.
Reimagining Education Without Limits
If Dr. Chrystal Mayfield had unlimited resources, she would reshape public education to serve every child, every family, and every community. Her vision begins with universal early childhood education and wraparound services that remove barriers to learning. She would empower educators through competitive pay, coaching, and residency-style mentorship programs, ensuring teachers thrive alongside their students. Personalized, project-based learning would replace one-size-fits-all instruction, while social-emotional development, mindfulness, and counseling would be integrated into daily routines.
Modern classrooms would promote collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Strong community and career connections, including internships and dual-enrollment programs, would prepare students for life beyond school. Dr. Mayfield measures success not only by test scores but by student growth portfolios, school climate, and graduates’ readiness to thrive in college, career, and community.
Looking Ahead
After thirty years in education, Dr. Mayfield plans to retire in June 2026. Even as she steps back, her commitment to leadership and student success will continue. She intends to mentor her successor, sharing insights and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and sustained progress. For Dr. Mayfield, retirement is not an end but a chance to pass on her experience and support the next generation of educational leaders.
Balancing Life Beyond Leadership
For Dr. Mayfield, balance is essential to sustaining her energy and focus. She begins each day with a morning workout five times a week, setting a positive tone for both work and life. Outside the district, she devotes time to her family, cheering on her senior daughter at sporting events and nurturing lifelong friendships.
Travel has become a cherished interest, offering adventures with her husband of 26 years. Looking forward, she eagerly anticipates welcoming her first grandchild in March 2026, embracing the next chapter with the same care and joy she brings to every part of her life.
A Philosophy Rooted in People
Dr. Chrystal Mayfield believes that lasting change begins with relationships and a shared commitment to growth. Her leadership philosophy focuses on empowering students, staff, and community members to reach their full potential. She strives to foster an environment where every voice matters, innovation is encouraged, and challenges become opportunities.
“When we invest in people and believe in their abilities, transformation follows,” she says. For Dr. Mayfield, true progress is measured not just in achievements, but in the confidence, creativity, and resilience that flourish when individuals feel supported and inspired.
Quote
“When we invest in people and believe in their abilities, transformation follows.”
Also Read: The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders
