Springfield Public Schools announces leadership appointments

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments for the 2022-2023 school year, effective July 1.

Sabrina Francis, Principal of Jeffries Elementary

Sabrina Francis, the current assistant principal of Hubble Elementary in Marshfield, will serve as the next principal of Jeffries Elementary. Prior to her three years of leadership experience in Marshfield, where she works to develop leaders and implement student interventions. 

Sabrina served as an elementary classroom teacher and curriculum coach for 11 years in Fair Grove. She completed her undergraduate studies in education at Missouri State University; graduate work in education at William Woods University; and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction at Evangel University.

“I am happy to be welcomed as part of the Jeffries family and community,” said Sabrina Francis. “I am eager to join in on the great things that are happening on behalf of students.”

Lee Ann Neill, Director of Health Services

Lee Ann Neill, MSN, RN, NBCSN, will serve as the next SPS director of health services upon the pending retirement of Jean Grabeel. Lee Ann has provided district leadership as the coordinator of health services for eight years after serving as an SPS school nurse for 19 years. 

Throughout her career, Lee Ann has been an active member of the Missouri Association of School Nurses and the National Association of School Nurses and has served on the board of directors for both organizations. She completed undergraduate studies in management and organizational communication at Missouri State University, undergraduate and graduate work in nursing from Loyola University and is nationally certified in school nursing (NBCSN). 

Lee Ann will complete her doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) from Loyola University later this year.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to continue working with a wonderful group of school nurses to offer quality services to the district’s students and staff,” said Lee Ann Neill. “It has been my privilege to learn from Jean Grabeel. Continuity within the district’s health services department is beneficial for all those we serve.”

Dr. Julie Routh, Principal of Sherwood Elementary

Dr. Julie Routh will lead Sherwood Elementary as its next principal. She currently serves as a learning coach at Twain Elementary where she supports instructional programming by facilitating the Teacher Support Team, administers developmental assessments and provides targeted instruction. 

Prior to joining SPS, Julie’s education career included nine years teaching second and fifth grade in Humansville and Bolivar before serving 10 years as a principal and assistant principal for Bolivar R-1 Schools. 

Julie completed undergraduate studies in elementary education, graduate work and an education specialist degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership - all from Southwest Baptist University.

“I am honored for the opportunity to be the next leader at Sherwood,” said Dr. Julie Routh. “I look forward to working with the staff, families, and community to continue the growth and success of our students!”

Helen Williams, Virtual Learning Elementary Principal

Helen Williams will oversee elementary virtual learning for Launch, which provides virtual curriculum for SPS and more than 360 partner districts across Missouri. Helen has served as SPS assistant principal of elementary virtual learning for two years. 

Prior administrative experience includes serving as assistant principal of McCulloch Elementary in Republic for two years and as building principal of Explore’s Artworks summer program. Helen’s teaching experience includes 12 years of kindergarten and first grade instruction at Rountree Elementary. 

She completed undergraduate work in human development and family studies at University of Missouri-Columbia and in early childhood education at Missouri State University, as well as graduate work and a specialist degree in education administration at William Woods University.

“I’m grateful to work with an amazing team at Launch, including our awesome full-time teachers working across the district,” said Helen Williams. “We’ve accomplished so much since our full-time virtual elementary program started two years ago and we have exciting new opportunities coming for SPS students.”

Appointments are official following approval by the Board of Education. To learn more, visit www.sps.org.