“We got in this for the kids” stated Justin Coup, Supt Solomon USD 393 at the Kansas School Superintendents' Association (KSSA) gala held Nov 13, 2025. Coup had just been awarded the Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award for his, “professionalism, compassion and genuine care for students”, presented by last year's winners Mike Waters, Superintendent of Cimarron-Ensign USD 102, and Jamie Rumford, Superintendent of Scott County USD 466. Coup’s passion for transcending student and staff success became a resounding theme for the evening.
Under the state-wide umbrella to USA-Kansas (United School Administrators-Kansas), whose organizational vision is "World Class Leadership, World Class Student Success", KSSA’s focus is on supporting education by fostering Superintendent development and success. The KSSA banquet was designed to bring together the foremost school leaders in the state of Kansas. Sarah Perryman with USA-Kansas notes how the organization is, “excited about where this event is going as we continue to find ways to honor and recognize the world class leadership that exists across our state”.
KSSA has presented the Superintendent of the Year Award for over 30 years and the Distinguished Service Award has been handed out since 2002 and was renamed the Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award in 2025. Cindy Couchman, KSSA President and Supt of USD 313 explains that this award “recognizes leaders demonstrated with exceptional dedication to Kansas public schools through mentorship, service and unwavering commitment to the success of others. Whose behind the scenes leadership strengthens systems, supports peers and leaves a lasting impact on the districts across the state.”
Coup has served as Superintendent at Solomon USD 393 since 2014. Throughout his time here, he has built a strong network of mentors, served his community, advocated for more activities and post-graduate opportunities, led by example, been resilient in hardship, and been recognized for his leadership in many different areas (e.g., 2025 Staff Member of the Year). He is very deserving of the 2026 Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award as he embodies Moeckel’s legacy of humility, wisdom, and service.
During the KSSA gala, Coup was introduced by Mike Waters of USD 102 and Jamie Rumford of USD 466, colleagues and 2025 service award recipients. Waters spoke to Coup’s accomplishments at Solomon USD 393, recognizing that his leadership style has facilitated a culture of growth that meets the needs of the individual. Waters shared, “He understands that educating is more than grades and winning. It’s about molding young adults into being the best they can be. He leads both staff and students by example to that end.” Rumford provided a historical look at Coup’s career, reminding us of his tenured service over the last 12 years. “Under Mr. Coup’s guidance, Solomon USD 393 has established career pathways, universal work based learning expectations and strong partnerships with academic institutions ensuring every graduate leaves with market value assets.” Rumford noted that Coup’s, “dedication to fostering innovation and equity has closed opportunity gaps for economically disadvantaged and special education students, exemplifying a commitment to student centered advocacy”, a key need in rural Solomon, KS.
Coup’s attention to detail and advocacy for each students’ greatness carry over into the schools’ teachers and administration and even extends to school educators outside of Solomon. Rumford attests that Coup, “actively supports the training and mentoring of new superintendents and young administrators, contributing to growth and development of educational leadership.” By empowering educators around him, Coup can keep a steady focus on fostering elite education for our Kansas students.
In Coup’s recognition statement upon receiving the Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award, he acknowledged the strength of Superintendent spouses . “There are times when we have all sorts of arrows coming our way, and we can’t tell you the whole story, but you are there to support us on a day-to-day basis and make sure that we are there for kids every single day.” He explains that despite the hardships or the tough conversations, “We got in this for the kids. We did not get into this for the adults. As long as we continue to make that the focus. With great people behind the scenes, making sure that we remember the ‘why’ we’re here.”
Solomon USD 393 is grateful for the leadership of Justin Coup. The district has seen significant growth in education, facility improvements including an on site Early Learning Center, full day preschool, staff retention of 97%, increased career and college pathways, assured decision-making, increased enrollment, and much more. Thank you to the KSSA team for facilitating an opportunity to recognize Kansas education leaders and for selecting Justin Coup as the 2026 Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award.