Springfield Public Schools changes Wilson's Creek principal after less than 4 months

Springfield Public Schools switched out the principal of Wilson's Creek Intermediate in late October, less than four months after the previous change.

Following the retirement of longtime principal Karyn Christy, Mark Davis II was hired and started to work July 1.

Davis, who has experience in traditional and charter public schools, came to Springfield after working in both rural and urban districts, including Jefferson City and St. Louis. He was a School Founders Fellow with New Schools for Alabama and has a doctorate from Saint Louis University.

In an Oct. 25 message to Wilson's Creek families, the district said Ron Woodard was stepping into the principal role, a change that was effective immediately.

The change was part of the personnel report updated after the school board meeting in late November.

The initial message sent from Kenneth Davis, executive director of middle schools and K-8 campuses, said Mark Davis was expected to transition to another unspecified role in the district.

In response to a Monday request from the News-Leader, the district said Mark Davis did not accept reassignment and chose instead to resign, effective Dec. 20. His salary was $110,922.

In 2005, the intermediate school for grades 5-6 was opened in southwest Greene County to alleviate crowding at Gray, Harrison and McBride elementary schools.

Wilson's Creek received significant attention for its academic achievement during the 2021-22 year, including a visit from Gov. Mike Parson, as it was named a National Blue Ribbon and Missouri Gold Star school.

Woodard has been part of the district leadership team since 2020 and was working as the director of family support services before the change. In that role, he helped students and their families address financial hardship, mental health, hunger and hygiene needs.

He was also heavily involved in the annual Back to School Bash, which provides resources to thousands of SPS families a few weeks before the first day.

Woodard spent 16 years with Metro Nashville Public Schools, working as a middle and high school building leader and a seventh-grade science teacher. He was a coach, directed a teen mentoring program, and was president of the Middle School Athletic Association.

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He also spent four years with Maury County Public Schools in Tennessee, serving as the director of student services and as the assistant superintendent of instruction. His leadership included oversight of an intermediate school.

Woodard has won awards for his work in youth development, dropout prevention and college readiness. His doctoral degree is from Lipscomb University.

When asked if Woodard's role at Wilson's Creek is interim, the district said no. Woodard is expected to remain in the role and his duties as director of family support services have been reassigned. His current pay of $135,076 will not change for the rest of the 2024-25 year.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Wilson's Creek Intermediate gets second new principal in 4 months