SJSD announces new school leadership for 2026-27, updates on district reorganization plans
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District provided an update to families and staff members on changes to school leadership positions and information on district reorganization plans for the 2026-27 school year.
Leadership positions were carefully considered based on factors such as academic and operational needs of each school, years of service to the district, general data (student achievements/attendance/school culture) and supporting transitions for students along with staff.
The following individuals have been selected for leadership positions, but are still subject to change if resignations take place.
Underlined individuals indicate a transition.
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
Additional placements of administrators will be announced in January.
District information and reorganization updates
The district reported it received a clean annual audit report from KPM CPAs for the 2025-25 fiscal year. Mr. Jon Cummings will present the results of the audit at the regular BOE meeting on Monday, Dec. 22.
The district also announced several committees will be formed to help facilitate the process for all students, families and staff members during district reorganization.
These will include committees for addressing logistics, gathering input and supporting communication through the transition.
