Springfield Public Schools announces leadership appointments

(From Springfield Public Schools)

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

Westport Elementary School

Jill Palmer (top photo) has been selected to serve as the principal of Westport Elementary Sc
hool for the 2019-2020 school year, replacing Kim Sublett who will retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. Jill has served as the coordinator of accountability in the Assessment, Accountability, and Analytics Department since 2011. In this role, Jill has provided support for district administration and building principals, specifically focusing on support of school improvement in Title I elementary and middle schools.

Prior to this service, she served as assistant principal at Pipkin Middle School for two years. Jill began her SPS career in 2001, serving as a teacher at Kickapoo High School, a science curriculum facilitator and as coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.

Jill completed her undergraduate work in education at Missouri State University and holds both a master's degree in elementary and secondary administration and a specialist in school administration from William Woods University. She is currently completing her doctorate in instructional leadership from Lindenwood University.

"I am honored to serve the community of Westport," said Jill Palmer. "I have a passion for excellence and an unwavering belief in the potential of all students. I will strive to foster relationships within the Westport community by taking personal responsibility for the success of all students and staff."

Coordinator of Student and School Services

Amy Patton has accepted the position of Coordinator of Student and School Services, replacing Ann White who is retiring at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. In this new role, Amy will oversee customer relations, volunteers, transfers and provide support to Explore.

Since 2014, Amy has served as the principal of Rountree Elementary School. Prior to that, she served as assistant to the principal at Disney and Bingham Elementary during the 2013-2014 school year. Amy began her educational career as a teacher in the Ozark School District in 1995, also serving as a Parents as Teachers educator in the Spokane RV-II district. This leadership appointment creates a principal vacancy at Rountree Elementary, which will be posted on Monday, March 4.

Amy completed her undergraduate studies in elementary education at Missouri State University, a master's degree in educational administration from Missouri State University and a specialist in educational administration from Southwest Baptist University.

"It is with great eagerness that I accept this new responsibility," said Amy Patton. "My focus will be on developing relationships, fostering community partnerships, analyzing data to determine direction, and collaborating with all stakeholders for the purpose of resolution and student success. I am committed to academic excellence for all children."