Parkway Elementary will have new leader

By Riley Funk

A new principal will take the mantle at Parkway Elementary School for the next school year.

The St. Joseph Board of Education announced Amanda Ueligger, the current assistant principal at Lindbergh Elementary, will take the job starting on July 1.

Ueligger said that becoming a principal is a goal that she has always wanted to accomplish. She is looking forward to joining the team at Parkway.

“It’s such a school that’s had a long history of academic success. They’ve had a lot of consistency in their leadership,” Ueligger said. “They have amazing teachers, the climate and culture of that school, when you walk in, everyone is just so happy to be there and so supportive.”

Ueligger has been with the St. Joseph School District for 11 years, serving as a math interventionist, curriculum adviser and second and fifth grade teacher. She also has won the Shining Star award, served on the math curriculum writing team and has been a presenter at professional development sessions.

In her many years of service in the education field, Ueligger said she looks to literacy as one of the most important pillars of a strong education.

“I really feel like literacy is the most important skill in any educational setting that’s going to carry our students throughout their life, no matter what path they choose,” Ueligger said. “A solid background and understanding of literacy and reading is going to be so important.”

Ueligger is a Northwest Missouri State University graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and she received a master’s degree from Park University in educational leadership.

Ueligger will take over for the current principal Solon Haynes, who will retire on June 30 after 18 years in the district.

She said meeting parents and students at Parkway is something she is most excited about.

“The students are why we’re all here, that’s the most important part, ensuring that they feel safe and cared for at school and that we challenge them academically and help them grow,” Ueligger said. “I want the kids to know that I have such high expectations of them, I believe in them, I know they’re going to do amazing things and that all starts at the elementary level.”