Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce new principals at the following schools, effective July 1, for the 2022-2023 school year.
Cherokee Middle School
Curt Ivey will serve as the next principal of Cherokee Middle School. Curt is the current assistant principal of Jarrett Middle School, having served in that role for five years. At Jarrett, he assists in staff development, supervision and evaluation, while also handling student discipline. Prior experience includes 13 years as a secondary teacher in Branson and Belton. He completed his undergraduate studies in education at the University of Central Missouri, a graduate degree in educational administration from William Woods University and an education specialist degree from Arkansas State University.
“I am beyond excited to serve the Cherokee family,” said Mr. Ivey. “I believe in serving the whole student and fostering an environment in which we can all continue to grow and learn as a team.”
Hickory Hills K-8
Becky Ash will lead Hickory Hills K-8 as its next principal. Becky has served as the current principal of Pipkin Middle School since 2016, with responsibilities for hiring, coaching and evaluating staff. Prior leadership experience includes service as the assistant principal at Jarrett Middle School. Becky’s classroom experience includes three years at the SPS Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) and as an elementary teacher in Camdenton and Kirksville. She completed her undergraduate studies in elementary education at Fontbonne University, graduate studies in educational administration at Missouri State University, and an education specialist degree from Southwest Baptist University.
“I am truly honored, humbled, and thankful for the opportunity to be the next leader at Hickory Hills,” said Mrs. Ash. “I am excited to become a member of the Spartan K-8 family and to play a role in its continued growth and success.”
Pershing K-8
Tommy Wells is the next principal of Pershing K-8. Tommy is the current assistant principal of Hot Springs World Class High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he oversees career and technical education, coordinates transportation, handles student discipline and staff development, and maintains attendance and performance systems. Prior administrative experience includes service as dean of students at Cross County New Tech High School and Palestine Wheatley High School–both in Arkansas. Other experience includes coaching basketball and football while serving as the district athletic director. He taught elementary physical education and math intervention in the Little Rock School District for five years. He completed his undergraduate work in health and physical education at Williams Baptist College, graduate studies in educational leadership at Arkansas State University, and will complete an education specialist degree from Arkansas State University in December.
“My family is excited to start a new adventure by joining Springfield Public Schools at Pershing K-8,” said Mr. Wells. “I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to developing a lasting relationship with all stakeholders.”
Pipkin Middle School
Duane Cox will lead Pipkin Middle School as its next principal, where he has currently served as assistant principal for three years. In his leadership role at Pipkin, Duane has worked to promote and establish positive relationships with students, families and staff, while connecting individuals with resources and other support. Prior to joining SPS, he served in the Willard School District for six years as a junior high math teacher, volleyball and basketball coach, and an administrative intern. In the Ash Grove R-IV School District, Duane taught multiple subjects in grades 7-12 for 11 years, while also coaching basketball, volleyball and cross country. He completed undergraduate studies in education at Missouri State University, graduate work in educational administration and an education specialist degree–both from William Woods University.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work as the Assistant Principal at Pipkin Middle School the past three years,” said Mr. Cox. “I am excited and humbled to take over as the new building leader. I look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with our staff, families, and community partners to ensure the continued growth and success of our students.”
Twain Elementary
Blaine Broderick is the next principal of Twain Elementary. Blaine has served in the role of school community liaison for McGregor Elementary for two years, where he leads school community partnerships, served as the liaison for Club Encore and Explore, implemented positive behavior intervention supports, and managed the school’s social media and webpage. Prior experience includes six years of teaching elementary students for Nixa Public Schools, including special education and sixth grade English language arts and social studies. He completed his undergraduate studies in cross-categorical special education, graduate studies in educational administration, and an education specialist degree–all from Missouri State University.
“It is with much excitement and anticipation that I look forward to joining my new family at Mark Twain Elementary,” said Mr. Broderick. “I am eager to build upon our shared commitment and dedication to education, working together to continue a mission of excellence for our students.”
Weaver Elementary
Cheryl Goetz, the current Title I learning coach at Boyd Elementary, will serve as the next principal of Weaver Elementary. During her six years at Boyd, Cheryl has developed and implemented grade-level team and school-wide professional development to support teachers in the improvement of instructional practices. Prior to joining the team at Boyd, she taught students at Bowerman Elementary for three years. Other classroom experience includes ten years of elementary instruction in Wentzville and two years teaching special education with the Special School District of St. Louis County. Cheryl completed undergraduate studies in elementary education and graduate work in educational administration at Missouri State University. She also completed an M.A. in elementary education at Lindenwood University.
“I look forward to working alongside the outstanding Weaver team,” said Ms. Goetz. “I share their commitment to ensuring the continuation of the many great things already happening in the school community.”
York Elementary
Shondra Fetter will serve as the next principal of York Elementary. Shondra currently serves as the school community liaison for Delaware Elementary. Prior to joining the Delaware team, she served two years as the assistant principal for Mallory Elementary in the Dallas County R-1 School District and three years as the Explore principal during summer learning at York Elementary and Bissett Elementary within SPS. Classroom experience includes nine years teaching fifth grade in Springfield and Marshfield and four years teaching Title I preschool in Marshfield and Chadwick. Shondra completed undergraduate studies in elementary education at Drury University and graduate work in educational administration from Southwest Baptist University.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the students, families and staff of York Elementary,” said Ms. Fetter. “I am looking forward to partnering with the dedicated team of educators at York to ensure that our students continue to thrive in an environment that positively promotes success and cultivates a love of learning.”
Appointments are official following approval by the Board of Education.
