Nixa names new administrators

Photo provided by Nixa Public Schools

David Kelly

Photo provided by Nixa Public Schools

Josh Bennett

Photo provided by Nixa Public Schools

Emily Myers

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Nixa Public Schools has named new leaders for three of its schools following a series of resignations and promotions.

David Kelly, the current assistant principal of Nixa High School, takes the helm of the high school from Mark McGehee, who recently was hired as executive director of human resources for the district after the retirement of Kathy Whitworth, according to a news release.

Kelly, a Nixa graduate, began his teaching career in Dallas County. After three years, he was hired to teach social studies at Nixa High School. In 2012, he accepted his first administrative position as an assistant principal at Hollister High School, and in the next year, he returned to Nixa in his current role.

“While serving as an assistant principal, Kelly has demonstrated his ability to build relationships, provide instructional leadership and exemplify what it means to be a life-long learner,” said Clay Hanna, the district’s executive director of secondary education, in the release.

Additionally, Josh Bennett was hired as an assistant principal for High Pointe Elementary and Mathews Elementary after the departure of Mandy Beckler, who is leaving the district to serve as principal of Logan-Rogersville’s Primary School, according to the release. Bennett has worked in education for 12 years, teaching in Sparta, Willard and Nixa.

Emily Myers was hired as assistant principal for the John Thomas School of Discovery and Inman Intermediate after the exit of Garrett Lowder, who was hired earlier this year as executive director of academic services for the Marshfield R-1 School District, according to the release. Myers has taught four years at Inman.

“Josh and Emily have shown great leadership in the classroom and at their buildings, and we are excited for them as they take those leadership skills into their new roles as administrators,” said Kevin Kopp, assistant superintendent of elementary education and district operations, in the release.