SPS names new elementary principals for Weller, McGregor, Fremont, Boyd
The upcoming retirement of two longtime Springfield elementary principals — Rebecca Donaldson at Weller and James Grandon at Fremont — is contributing to the first major wave of principal announcements for the 2023-24 school year.
In addition to new leaders for Weller and Fremont, the district announced the principals for Boyd and McGregor.
The following job changes start July 1:
Fremont Elementary
Janelle Ballard, assistant principal of Fremont, will replace Grandon as principal. She joined the district in 2022.
Previously, she was an instructional coach in Independence for three years and an elementary teacher in the North Kansas City district for 16 years.
Ballard earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Missouri Western State College; a master's in education from Webster University; and specialist of educational leadership and doctor of educational leadership from Saint Louis University.
“Fremont holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to continue to serve the Fremont students, staff and families,” she said, in the release.
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Weller Elementary
Denelle Hoff, assistant principal at Williams Elementary will replace Donaldson as principal at Weller.
For 20 years, she has worked at Williams, starting as a paraprofessional and moving on to work as a teacher, school community liaison and assistant principal.
Hoff earned a bachelor’s in early childhood education from Missouri State University and a master's of education administration from William Woods University.
“I look forward to collaborating with staff, families and community partners so that all students can grow to reach their fullest potential and everyone feels a sense of belonging within the community,” she said, in the release.
McGregor Elementary
Rebekah Kirby, assistant principal at Weller, will lead McGregor Elementary as its next principal. She will replace Katy Knapp.
Hired by the Springfield district in 2011, she has been a classroom teacher at Sunshine and Portland elementary schools, an Explore principal and a school administration manager at York Elementary.
Kirby earned a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master's in elementary education/curriculum and instruction, and a master's in education administration from Missouri State University.
“I am deeply committed to student learning, sensitive to the needs of McGregor Elementary, and ready to build on the strengths of the team in serving the student population," Kirby said, in the release. "I believe that all students can learn, and building a culture of belonging, safety, and excellence will be our priority."
Boyd Elementary
Bethany Siebert, who is joining the Springfield district, will be the next principal of Boyd Elementary. She will replace Angela Holloway Payne.
She is currently an elementary principal in the Nevada district and previously worked as a teacher in Willard.
Siebert earned a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master's in curriculum and instruction and a specialist in administration from Southwest Baptist University.
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“The school community at Boyd Elementary is filled with pride and excitement for their school," she said, in the release. "I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity to partner with students, staff, families, and the SPS community."
The district previously announced a new principal at Parkview High School and is searching for a new principal for Reed Academy.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: SPS names new principals for Weller, McGregor, Fremont, Boyd
