New leaders announced at Springfield Public Schools

 (From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year, effective July 1.

 

Abby Hathcock will lead Sequiota Elementary as its next principal. She currently serves as assistant principal of Bingham Elementary, where she has worked since 2021. She joined SPS in 2012 as an English teacher at Hickory Hills Middle School, where she taught for nine years. Mrs. Hathcock completed her undergraduate work at Ozarks Technical Community College and Missouri State University and earned a master’s in educational leadership from Evangel University.  “When I attended Sequiota as an elementary student I found a sense of belonging there. Now, as principal I look forward to the opportunity to build relationships with students and staff and continue to develop that sense of community for everyone,” she said.

Dr. Mykie Nash will be the new principal at McBride Elementary School, effective July 1. She currently serves as a principal for Aurora R-VIII School District, where she has worked as an administrator for the past eight years. She has been recognized by the Missouri Association of Elementary Principals as an outstanding principal in southwest Missouri. During her tenure at Aurora, she also served as Parents As Teachers director and transportation director.  Dr. Nash earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Missouri State University and a master’s in school administration and her doctorate in educational administration from Lindenwood University.  "I look forward to supporting the staff, students, and families in the McBride community as we continue the district's important mission of ensuring high quality academics for all students. I am excited and honored to join the SPS team,” Dr. Nash said.

Dana Hubbard will take on the new role of director of work-based learning and student experiences, overseeing the expansion of student career opportunities with businesses and organizations throughout the region. As part of the College and Career Readiness Department, she will assist in the coordination of work-based learning experiences such as student job-shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships and will continue to oversee the GO CAPS program. This work aligns with SMART Goal 1.6.1 in the strategic plan to enhance real-world educational opportunities for all students.  For the past seven years, she has served as director of summer learning and student experiences during a time that SPS expanded summer learning and increased access to enrichment opportunities. She joined SPS in 2012 and served as principal of Bowerman Elementary School for almost four years.  Mrs. Hubbard earned her bachelor’s degree from Drury University, master’s from Missouri State University and specialist degree from Southwest Baptist University.  “Over the past seven years, I’ve had opportunities to engage with community partners to find new and unique ways to connect their expertise to the teaching and learning happening within our district,” said Mrs. Hubbard. “This new role will allow for the expansion of work-based learning experiences to build student awareness about our community and potential career options, while potentially filling area workforce needs.”

Dr. Amanda Adams, who is currently coordinator of choice programs and student experiences, will transition to the role of principal of choice programs. She will lead the district’s magnet schools and supervise teachers and other staff as growth of these programs continues based on student and parent satisfaction. This work also aligns with SMART Goal 1.6.1 in the strategic plan to enhance real-world educational opportunities for all students.  Previously, Dr. Adams was a lead teacher at Health Sciences Academy at Mercy. She began her career with SPS in 2007 and taught eighth-grade science at Pershing Middle School for 7 years. She was named SPS Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. Dr. Adams earned her bachelor’s degree in middle school math and science education from Missouri Southern University, a master’s in educational leadership and her doctorate in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction from Evangel University. “I am elated to continue to support students, teachers, families and the community in my new role. In the last decade, I have regularly observed what is possible when students learn by connecting with their community to explore their passion through inquiry-based learning. It is amazing and I am so grateful for a supportive community and our amazing teachers who make this all possible."