Longtime assistant principal to lead Republic High School

provided by Republic School District

Eric Stephens has been hired as the next principal of Republic High School. He will start July 1.

Eric Stephens, a longtime assistant principal, has been named the next leader of Republic High School.

The Republic School District Board of Education approved the hire during its Feb. 19 meeting.

Stephens will succeed John Thompson, who was named the next assistant superintendent of academic services. Thompson will fill a vacancy that will be created when Tyler Overstreet becomes superintendent after the previously announced retirement of Matt Pearce. Thompson’s and Overstreet’s new roles start July 1.

“Dr. Stephens is a dedicated leader who has contributed greatly to the culture and strengths of Republic High School,” Overstreet said in a news release. “His commitment to students, staff and continuous improvement makes him an excellent choice to lead RHS, and I am confident the school will continue to thrive under his leadership.”

Stephens was hired to teach math at Republic High School in 2008. In 2017, he moved to the central office as an associate principal and then assistant principal. He coached volleyball at Republic’s middle and high schools.

He has served on a range of committees, including attendance and curriculum.

Stephens also leads graduate courses through a partnership between the district and Evangel University that allows Republic teachers to earn a master’s degree at no cost.

A Republic district spokesperson said the starting salary for Stephens has not yet been finalized.

“It is an honor to step into the role of principal at Republic High School and continue serving a community that means so much to me,” Stephens said in the release. “I am excited to work alongside our students, staff and families to build on the strong foundation already in place while continuing to create meaningful opportunities that prepare every student for future success.”

The district plans to search for a new assistant principal immediately.