MISD’s newest additions to the district executive team embody the vision of Innovation, Commitment, and Excellence.
Becky Odajima, Ed.D.
Dr. Becky Odajima is Midway’s third Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, following the retirement of Dr. Jeanie Johnson. In the last ten years, she has served Midway ISD as Director of Innovation & Learning, Virtual School Principal, MHS Associate Principal, MHS Assistant Principal, and an Instructional Technologist. Before coming to Midway ISD, she served for three years as an Instructional Specialist and 11 years directing middle school band.
“In the last three years, Dr. Odajima has been a valuable asset to MISD during an extremely challenging time in education,” said Superintendent Dr. George Kazanas. “Alongside the team, she helped create a virtual school overnight, created a remote conferencing program for quarantined students, calculated compliance for multiple changes of school calendars, and developed and supported a tracking system of real-time COVID cases, in addition to her regular duties. She is a sharp, innovative, critical thinker who is fully equipped to take on the unique combination of programs supervised by the Administrative Services Office.”
Dr. Odajima has a doctoral degree in education from Baylor University and a superintendent certification from University of Texas at Tyler. She also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in music from Stephen F. Austin State University, as well as her teacher certification. She and her husband, Isaiah, have two current Midway students (at Midway Middle School and Midway High School) and a recent graduate.
Ashley Canuteson, Ed.D.
Dr. Ashley Canuteson began her career in Midway ISD as a high school biology teacher in 1999, then became an assistant principal at MHS, the associate principal at MHS, and has spent the last 11 years working with Career & Technical Education programs, academic advisement efforts, and postsecondary accountability as the Director of College & Career Readiness. She will follow Mary Lou Glaesmann as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
“Dr. Canuteson is a Panther for life!” said Superintendent Dr. George Kazanas. “She attended Midway schools and her entire career has been here. She is a pillar of commitment with decades of foundational knowledge regarding the district’s infrastructure, philosophy, and challenges. With strong community connections, she has shown talent for building a high-quality Career and Technical Education program with top-notch staff; I’m confident that she will be able to multiply those skills district-wide. Most importantly, she has the long-term vision and commitment necessary for the essential role of the Human Resources Office.”
Dr. Canuteson earned a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from Baylor University and a superintendent certification from Lamar University. She also earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University with a focus in biology and health. She and her husband, Wade, have two children who both started their education in Midway Pre-K and who are now at Midway High School.
