TOPEKA — Kansas State High School Activities Association Assistant Executive Director Craig Manteuffel announced his plans to retire on Sept. 30. He has served in this position since July 1, 2015.
During his tenure, Manteuffel maintained administrative leadership for the activities of music, debate, speech and spirit. Additionally, Manteuffel was involved with general interpretations of KSHSAA rules for the member schools of the association.
“As a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Mr. Manteuffel has demonstrated steady, thoughtful and engaged leadership for the member schools we serve,” noted KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “His desire to inspire students through connections to learning and growth opportunities helped prepare countless students to be successful in life and will resonate across our great state and beyond for years to come.”
A native of Hays, Manteuffel graduated from Hays High School and earned his undergraduate degree in instrumental/vocal music education from Fort Hays State University. He also earned a Master's of Liberal Studies/Fine Arts with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from Fort Hays State. Prior to joining the staff of the KSHSAA, Manteuffel had teaching and coaching stints in Otis-Bison Schools (1986-1996) and at Hays High School (1996-2015).
During his tenure with the KSHSAA, Manteuffel provided timely leadership and support, never wavering from the mission. His leadership inspired significant upgrades to the KSHSAA music program which allows for a new custom program to schedule performances and adjudicators, while tracking performance scores. Even through the challenges of a pandemic, Manteuffel persevered, and music students were provided opportunities for festival performances, which allowed for feedback and ratings. Additionally, Manteuffel developed and implemented a first-of-its-kind annual State Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. As the leader of spirit activities, Manteuffel solidified a positive relationship with partner company Varsity Spirit to create and launch the Game Day Spirit Showcase, a culminating statewide event for cheer teams and dance teams.
During his 38-year career in education, serving as a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Manteuffel never stopped learning, using those lessons to inform his work as a state and national leader.
He is admired as an active contributor to the National Federation of State High School Associations, serving four years as the chair of that group's Music Committee, providing a steady hand during and after the pandemic with his leadership helping provide educators and administrators guidance for best practices for music education.
He was active with the Kansas Music Educators Association, which included service as district and state band chairperson, northwest district site coordinator and president.
Additionally, Manteuffel was selected to serve as the Kansas Music Educators Association state president and served six years on the Kansas Music Educators Association executive council (2009-2015). As he retires from the KSHSAA, Mr. Manteuffel will serve as Kansas Music Educators Association executive director.