Springfield Public Schools hires three principals

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments effective for the 2019-2020 school year.

Glendale High School

As SPS prepares for the upcoming retirement of Dr. Natalie Cauldwell, the district is pleased to name Mr. Josh Groves as the next principal of Glendale High School. Mr. Groves is the current principal of Pleasant View K-8 School, having served in that leadership role since 2016.

Prior to being named Pleasant View principal, Mr. Groves served as assistant principal for three years at Pershing K-8 and two years at Cherokee Middle School. He has also led summer school as a building principal at both Pershing Middle School and Central High School.

Mr. Groves began his SPS career in 2004 as a math teacher and coach at Hillcrest High School, where he served for seven years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Math Education from Evangel University and a Master of Education Administration from Southwest Baptist University, where he is working on his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.


"My passion is to help create a community of learners where every student can reach his or her potential and every stakeholder is valued," said Mr. Groves. "I take a genuine interest in the lives of others and in creating the connections that act as a catalyst in the learning process. I care deeply about teachers and their impact on the lives of students."

Reed Academy

With the pending retirement of Dr. Debbie Grega, SPS is pleased to name Mrs. Sara Strohm (top photo) as the next leader of Reed Academy. Mrs. Strohm is the current assistant principal of Westport Middle School, where she has served for two years.

Prior to joining SPS, Mrs. Strohm's career in education included experience as a teacher and coach in the Bolivar R-1 and Seymour R-II school districts, as well as at Springfield Catholic High School.

Mrs. Strohm holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University, as well as a Master of Education Administration and an Educational Specialist degree from William Woods University.

"I look forward to serving the students, staff and stakeholders of Reed Academy with passion and dedication," said Mrs. Strohm. "I will strive to develop and foster meaningful relationships with all students, staff and community members to serve all parties and maintain a school with a positive climate and camaraderie."

Twain Elementary

Ms. Jennifer Webb, the current principal of Williams Elementary, will become principal of Twain Elementary on July 1. Ms. Webb began her career with SPS as a teacher at Bowerman Elementary in 2000, continuing in the classroom at Pleasant View before serving as an at-risk/academic recovery teacher at Pershing.

Ms. Webb was named principal of Williams Elementary in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Drury University, a Master of Education from Evangel University, and an Educational Specialist degree from William Woods University.

"Twain Elementary has a reputation of holding high expectations and standards for all student and adult learners," said Ms. Webb. "I am excited and honored to join the Twain family to continue this standard of excellence and look forward to working alongside the students, families and staff."