Two New Principals for R‑VII

Both West Plains Elementary School and West Plains Middle School will have new leadership next year. At the elementary school, Sarah Land is moving into the principal role from her position as assistant principal, following a vote of the school board on January 29. At the middle school, Amy Marshall will replace Joby Steele, whose resignation—effective at the end of the current school year—was accepted by the board in January.

 

Marshall steps into middle school administration after decades of involvement with the district. A 2004 graduate of West Plains High School, she has taught at South Fork Elementary School and served as assistant principal at West Plains Elementary.

 

“Ms. Marshall’s longstanding dedication to the West Plains School District, combined with her leadership experience and strong connection to our community, makes her an excellent choice to lead West Plains Middle School,” said Dr. Wesley Davis, superintendent of West Plains Schools.

 

During the January 29 meeting, the board also voted to finalize the 2026–2027 tuition rate at a 1.7301 percent increase from last year and approved the calendar for the next school year.

 

In a financial update, Dr. Davis reported the district has collected 67 percent of its anticipated revenues but has spent only 54 percent of its budgeted expenses. Current spending is down more than $140,000 from last year. “That really surprised me,” Davis told Howell County News in a February 5 interview.

 

The district has kept a close eye on spending, reducing where possible. In recent years, 13 positions have been eliminated by reassignment or by not filling vacancies as employees left, Davis said. He told the board there will be no “large projects” scheduled for the next few years, though several smaller projects are under way or planned. Upcoming projects include sanding the gym floor at West Plains Elementary and sealing the parking lots at the high school and SMTI.

 

Looking ahead, the district’s next superintendent, Dr. Matthew Orchard, has begun the bidding process for health insurance services.

 

Personnel Changes from the January Meeting

 

New Certified Hires

Mackenzie Brunson – WPHS Math Teacher (Remainder 25–26 SY)

Judith Tilley – Secondary Social Studies Teacher

Keeli Holden – WPMS Computers/Reading (Remainder 25–26 SY)

Christina Young – WPHS Special Education Teacher

 

New Non‑Certified Hires

Ken Cook – Full‑Time Bus Driver

Ty Murray – Custodian

Marion Barker – Custodian

Blake Harris – Paraprofessional

Michaela Grannemann – Paraprofessional

Dallas Roberts – WPMS Assistant Football Coach

Garel McGinley – WPMS Assistant Football Coach

Raymond Taylor – Full‑Time Bus Driver

Avery Johnson – Paraprofessional (26–27 School Year)

Cody Davis – Paraprofessional

 

Transfers

Duane Jones – Part‑Time Bus Driver to Full‑Time Bus Driver (Critical Shortage)

Adam Niehaus – WPHS Assistant Football Coach to WPMS Head Football Coach

Sarah Land – WPES Assistant Principal to WPES Principal

Hailey Beazley – WPHS Physical Education to WPHS College/Career Advisor

 

Volunteers

Kimberly Ford

 

Resignations

Rebekah Frazier – Paraprofessional

Hagen Riley – IT Department Technician (1/16/26)

Logan Roberts – Custodian

Joby Steele – WPMS Principal (EOY)

Macie Duggins – WPHS Assistant Volleyball Coach

Ta’lor Sandul – Secondary Science Teacher

Melissa Cormier – Middle School Computer/Reading Teacher (1/20/26)

Radis Smith – Full‑Time Bus Driver (1/29/26)