The St. Joseph School District in Missouri has announced significant changes to its school leadership for the 2026-27 academic year. This update includes new principals and assistant principals at various schools, reflecting the district’s commitment to addressing academic and operational needs. The decisions were made after thorough consideration of factors such as student achievement, attendance, and school culture.
The selected leaders for the upcoming school year are as follows:
New Leadership Appointments
– **Benton High School**:
– Shawna Gilliland, Principal
– Alan Hutchcraft, Assistant Principal
– Jason Lenz, Assistant Principal
– Justin McCarthy, Assistant Principal
– **Central High School**:
– Bart Hardy, Principal
– Christina Prussman, Assistant Principal
– David Chaney, Assistant Principal
– Brad Spinner, Assistant Principal
– Jeff Sullivan, Assistant Principal
– Monica Flaska, Assistant Principal
– **Bode Middle School**:
– Corey Gilpin, Principal
– Misty Burright, Assistant Principal
– **Lafayette Middle School**:
– Megan Gaul, Principal
– Mark Anderson, Assistant Principal
– **Spring Garden Middle School**:
– Dr. Alex Tomes, Principal
– Kendra Hodgin, Assistant Principal (half-time Spring Garden Middle School / half-time Truman Middle School)
– **Truman Middle School**:
– Landi Quinlin, Principal
– Kendra Hodgin, Assistant Principal (half-time Spring Garden Middle School / half-time Truman Middle School)
– **Webster Learning Center**:
– Dr. Heather Renk
– **Bessie Ellison Elementary School**:
– Sarah Stapleton, Principal
– **Carden Park Elementary School**:
– John Wachtel, Principal
– Dr. Becky Schilling, Assistant Principal
– **Coleman Elementary School**:
– Cindy King, Principal
– **Edison Elementary School**:
– Tom Evans, Principal
– **Hosea Elementary School**:
– Jaimee Lawrence, Principal
– Jake Kretzer, Assistant Principal
– **Hyde Elementary School**:
– Dr. Leah Richardson, Principal
– **Lindbergh Elementary School**:
– Gary Murphy, Principal
– Dr. Kaleb Johnson, Assistant Principal
– **Oak Grove Elementary School**:
– Natalie Arnold, Principal
– Makayla McKennon, Assistant Principal
– **Parkway Elementary School**:
– Amanda Ueligger, Principal
– **Pickett Elementary School**:
– Heather Gladhart, Principal
– **Robidoux Elementary School**:
– Darla Hunt, Principal
– Holly Brady, Assistant Principal
– **Skaith Elementary School**:
– Dr. Becky Evans, Principal
These appointments are preliminary and may change if there are resignations. The district plans to announce additional administrative placements in January 2026.
District Reorganization Plans
In addition to leadership changes, the St. Joseph School District reported a clean annual audit for the 2025-26 fiscal year, conducted by KPM CPAs. **Mr. Jon Cummings**, the district’s finance director, will present the audit results at the regular Board of Education meeting scheduled for **December 22, 2025**.
To support the transition during the district’s reorganization, several committees will be established. These committees will focus on logistics, gathering input from stakeholders, and enhancing communication among students, families, and staff.
The St. Joseph School District continues to prioritize a smooth transition for its students and staff as it implements these changes, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the educational process.
