Joe Kuboushek, principal of Twin Oaks Middle School and Hidden Oaks Middle School, has been named the 2025-26 Administrator of the Year by the Minnesota Association of School Office Professionals.

This recognition honors administrators who, through the perspective of school office professionals, consistently demonstrate excellence, dedication and innovative leadership within their schools. The award reflects professional achievement and the everyday impact leaders have on their school communities.

Kuboushek was nominated by three members of the Hidden Oaks community: history teacher Brent Stufft, administrative assistant Angie Olson and 7th-grade student Christina Schwake. Each nominator highlighted his strong leadership, calm presence and commitment to building positive relationships with students and staff.

“What I appreciate just as much is that Joe has never let the work of leading two schools take away from his visibility or accessibility,” Stufft said. “He is present in the hallways, talks with students and staff throughout the day and consistently makes time to meet face to face. Joe serves the people in front of him with authenticity and respect.”

“Joe is a people person who is not easily unnerved. He handles the pressure of both buildings with grace and dependability,” Olson said. “He treats everyone and every situation with the respect that it calls for, while letting people know that he is there for them. In difficult situations and emergencies, Joe remains calm and reassuring.”

For students, Kuboushek’s leadership has made a lasting impact as well, according to Schwake, who said: “I believe his leadership is the reason I’ve felt so supported throughout my 6th and 7th grade years.”

Kuboushek has been with PLSAS since 1998, serving as a teacher, PLHS assistant principal and middle school principal. He became principal of Twin Oaks Middle School in 2021 and, at the start of the 2024-25 school year, assumed leadership of both Twin Oaks and Hidden Oaks Middle Schools.