Superintendent finalists interview for position as decision looms
By Jazmine Knight
Four women hoping to become the next superintendent of the St. Joseph School District gathered for interviews Tuesday, with a final decision on the district’s next leader likely to come by the end of the week.
The superintendent finalists — Lara Gilpin, SJSD director of secondary education, Ashly McGinnis, SJSD assistant superintendent of academic services, Laura Nelson, superintendent of the School of the Osage School District and Jami Jo Thompson, superintendent of the Norfolk (Nebraska) Public Schools — were interviewed by members of the St. Joseph School Board on Tuesday.
Starting with Dr. Lara Gilpin, even though she is the only candidate without superintendent or assistant superintendent experience, she believes her 34 years in education and experience on the superintendent cabinet sets her apart from others.
“On the superintendent’s cabinet, I’ve been able to work hand in hand with Dr. Edgar and the team on our Long-Range plan, our CSIP and all of those components,” said Gilpin.
Gilpin started as a teacher and a coach. Over time she worked her way up to become principal, serving 19 years as the principal at Spring Garden Middle School. In her current role, she has served three years as the director of secondary education.
“I believe that a successful school district can be the component of a very successful community,” she said. “It’s exciting that we’re moving in the positive direction.”
Gilpin’s goal is to keep the momentum going that Dr. Edgar put in place. She spotlights the district’s climate and culture as well as the supportive school board as reasons why she’s eager to spearhead the long range plan.
“A new building is great, but also the opportunities within that building are the most important piece,” she said. “(For) our students, just having opportunities and access to the facility and the instruction and opportunities for both our teachers and students is wonderful.”
Gilpin addressed attendance as one of the district’s biggest challenges. However, she believes continuing to work on the climate within school is the best pathway to combat this issue.
“I think when students feel like they belong to their school, they want to come to school,” said Gilpin.
In terms of the long range plan, Gilpin believes recruiting and retaining certified teachers and providing equal access to courses and opportunities at every school is most important.
“The greatest piece is really giving our students the opportunity to do whatever they want to do,” she said. “Whether it’s post secondary, whether it’s going to the workforce, whatever it is, we want to have them very well prepared.”
Current assistant superintendent, Dr. Ashley McGinnis, went to college to be a mental health counselor. During that time, McGinnis worked in St. Joseph Schools as a substitute teacher. After becoming a licensed professional counselor, she was stationed at the Coleman School where she built connections and eventually transitioned into a special education teacher in 2007.
“[I’ve been] math and algebra one teacher. I’ve been the assistant principal, athletic director, principal and then my current role now.” said McGinnis. “I’ve been at elementary school, middle school, high school, alternative school.”
McGinnis hopes her 18 years of diverse experience in the district and mental health background sets her apart from other superintendent candidates. She believes she is the candidate that is ready to hit the ground running.
“We’ve got a lot of momentum with the long range plan… So I don’t want to lose ground,” she said.
If elected superintendent, McGinnis wants to focus on student centered learning and individualized pathways for the children of the district.
“When I was principal at Lafayette High School, there was a student there that captured my heart, and he struggled. He was a hands-on learner. And since then, I’ve been on this mission to make sure that we have opportunities for our kids outside of Hillyard,”
Outside of the district, McGinnis is involved in Lions Club, the Downtown Rotary and Missouri Western’s education board. McGinnis, who has spent most of her life in St. Joseph, wants to community to know that she is invested in the district and will be here for the long term
“I think I have street cred,” she said. “A lot of student’s families, they know me and they know what they’re going to get with me and I think I’ve spent a lot of time investing in those relationships.
Dr. Laura Nelson, superintendent of the School of the Osage School District for the past five years, has a unique tie to the St. Joseph community.
“So my grandmother was a historic preservationist in Saint Joe for many years. And as a child, I found myself at her elbow a lot,” said Nelson.
Nelson’s grandmother spent time alongside Kelsy Beshears. Because of this, Nelson developed a unique love for the community which is why she is excited to bring her talent and experience to the district.
Prior to being the superintendent, Nelson has worked as an interim superintendent and assistant superintendent. She has also worked within the technology, communications and transportation department.
Nelson recognizes St. Joseph’s outstanding and dedicated staff as one strength the district has. Because two way communication and making sure people feel appreciated are of high priority to her, she wants to know what her staff is passionate about and where they are seeking to grow.
“Supporting teachers and staff in that work and making sure that the barriers that might come from a variety of angles are not there or at least minimized as much as the administration can do,” said Nelson.
Additionally, she believes this district has many opportunities for students that often get overlooked.
“Certainly the recent bond initiative is going to provide opportunities for students to compete on fields and in playing spaces that are really, on par with other districts in Missouri,” Nelson said.
In her current role as superintendent, Nelson has done a lot of work within communication and building bridges within the community. She hopes to continue that work within the St. Joseph Schools.
“We work our communication plan also with workforce engagement. I’m very passionate about culture and climate and how to support staff in their overall well-being,” she said.
As for the long range plan, Nelson emphasizes community members who have a strong connection with the three high schools. However, she is invested in seeing the evolution these new high schools will bring in terms of opportunities and learning.
“I think a lot of people just need the opportunity to talk about their feelings relative to their home schools and how that can evolve into strength for the shift to two high schools,” she said.
To address attendance in the Osage district, Nelson is examining the reasons students enjoy coming to school and promoting a fun but rigorous environment where students can succeed.
“We’re definitely seeing success with our attendance that way,” she said.
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, superintendent of the Norfolk (Nebraska) Public Schools for 11.5 years, serves as the only out of state candidate. Thompson highlights her experience leading three long range planning initiatives where she worked with various stakeholders to address student achievement, facilities, one to one technology, early childhood learning, career academies and more.
“You name it. A lot of different initiatives but we have made lots of improvements for students in terms of programming, in terms of achievement and our graduation rate,” said Thompson.
She also understands that it’s going to take time for the community to gain her trust.
“They don’t have to trust me right away. They need to get to know me and I’ll prove to them that they can trust me by what I do,” she said.
Coming from out of state, Thompson believes this will put her at an advantage because she can bring fresh ideas without bias. Overall, Thompson says St. Joseph is an amazing community and she’s ready to be closer to family.
“It has a lot to offer in terms of size, in terms of amenities it has a lot of things but it still has a small town feel,” she said.
According to a Missouri School Board Association representative, a final decision should be made by the end of the week.
