Branson Schools
Branson Schools announce 2025-26 leadership updates
Branson Public Schools are pleased to announce the following leadership appointments effective for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Jack Harris has been named the new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Harris replaces Dr. Nate Moore, who will move into the role of Superintendent beginning July 1, 2025. Harris currently serves as Principal of Branson High School and has been with the district since 2006 with roles including seventh grade history teacher, junior high football and track coach, and assistant principal of Branson Junior High. In 2016, he became principal of Branson High School.
Dr. Tara Roberts, current Superintendent of Taneyville R-II School District, has been named the new Executive Director of Instructional Services, replacing Dr. Mike Dawson who will retire after 30 years of service in public education. With 17 years in education throughout Southwest Missouri, Roberts holds experience from Forsyth and Taneyville school districts. She earned a Doctorate of Education and a Specialist degree from Lindenwood University, a Master’s degree from William Woods University and a Bachelor’s degree from Drury University.
Byron Richardson has been named Assistant Principal at Branson High School, replacing Jason Steele who moved into the role of Director of Technology for the district. Richardson is currently a physical education instructor and head baseball coach at Forsyth R-III School District. Richardson’s educational background prior to joining Forsyth includes experience as a teacher and coach in the Galena and Gainesville school districts.
John-Paul Williams will serve as Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge Intermediate next school year. Williams is currently an art teacher for the Reeds Spring School District where he has served for six years. Prior to joining Reeds Spring, Williams served as both a teacher and coach in the Republic School District. Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks, as well as a Master’s degree from Lindenwood University.
BHS says, ‘Anything Goes’ on stage
Branson High School’s Performing Arts department presented “Anything Goes” as their spring musical.
The musical always provides an opportunity for many students to be involved. With over 115 high schoolers showcasing their talents, from the front of house crew to the actors on stage to the musicians providing the soundtrack, this production highlighted the diverse range of skills within our school community.
“These students have incredible work ethic, passion and most importantly they are incredible people to be around,” shared Director Erin Moody.
BHS ProStart wins fifth place at state competition
Branson High School’s ProStart II team placed fifth in the state at the Missouri ProStart 2025 Invitational.
Eddy Menjivar, Madi Reech, Makaya Baumann, Caitlyn Lane and Adia Simpson had only one hour to prepare an appetizer, entree and dessert.
APPETIZER: Beef Tartare, topped with a raw duck egg yolk, served with toasted baguette chips
ENTRÉE: Seared skin-on Chilean Sea Bass on a bed of Puttanesca with Israeli Couscous and seared carrots and asparagus
DESSERT: Crepes with quad berry compote (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) topped with lemon zested mascarpone whipped cream
The competition was held at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield. This was the first time BHS students have competed at the state level, and Coach Williams noted they will definitely be back.
Branson seventh-grader wins regional spelling bee for second year
Branson Junior High seventh-grader Kunal Patel claimed victory at the 2025 Association for Children’s Educational Sponsorship (A.C.E.S.) Regional Missouri Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year.
Patel participated in the competition in Rolla, Missouri, on March 1, and won by correctly spelling the word “peony.” He will move on to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington D.C. from May 27-29.
Hollister Schools
Dallas DeWeese named Assistant Principal for Hollister Early Childhood Center
The Hollister R-V School District is pleased to announce that Mr. Dallas DeWeese has been named the new Assistant Principal for Hollister Early Childhood Center (HECC), effective July 1, 2025. Mr. DeWeese will step into this role as Mrs. Amy Jo Kilgore transitions into the position of Lead Principal.
Reeds Spring Schools
Kindergarten and preschool screening at Reeds Spring Schools
Reeds Spring Primary School is preparing to welcome next year’s preschool and kindergarten students! Screening and enrollment appointments are now being scheduled.
Preschool screenings: Monday, March 10. Children must be three years old by July 31 to be eligible.
Kindergarten screenings: Monday, April 7. Children must be five years old by July 31 to be eligible.
What to bring: Child’s birth certificate, Current immunization records, Proof of residency, Emergency contact numbers.
To schedule an appointment, please call the Reeds Spring Primary School office at 417-272-3241.
Reeds Spring robotic teams qualify for World Championship
Two Reeds Spring School District robotics teams have secured spots at the VEX Robotics World Championship, with a third team awaiting a potential invitation.
The Reeds Spring team, composed of Taylor Lanham, Ethan McKinney, Lucas Welton and Alex Rainey, earned the Excellence Award in the Middle School category and placed second in both Teamwork and Skills. Meanwhile, the team of Jax Ratliff, Elliott Linegar, Alexis Lanham and Kaan Sahin won the Excellence Award in the Elementary category, also finishing second in Teamwork and Skills. Both teams have officially qualified for the world championship.
Additionally, the team of Asher Williams, Nate Waters and Jameso Staugaard received the Middle School Design Award and is awaiting confirmation on a possible world championship invitation.
The VEX Robotics World Championship will be held in Dallas, Texas, this May.
Lady Wolves win regular season finale
Reeds Spring High School’s girls basketball enters the postseason on a positive note. The Lady Wolves defeated Buffalo 42-38 to end the regular season with a record of 14-10. RSHS plays Mountain Grove in the district tournament.
Wrestling: Reeds Spring’s Lindsey Keithley competed at the Class 1 State Wrestling Championship. She wrestled in three matches, winning one and losing two by points.
Boys Basketball: The Wolves lost three close games last week, falling to Ava 49-44, to Monett 55-53, and to Buffalo 56-50.
Reeds Spring School District Excellence Award Winners for February
Every month, the Reeds Spring School District recognizes one non-teaching staff member and one certified teacher as Excellence Award winners. The winners for February are Lacie Reinsch and Jason Reinsch. Lacie is the Behavior Intervention Specialist at Reeds Spring Elementary School, and Jason is the district’s Director of Facilities, Custodial, and Maintenance.
The district accepts Excellence Award nominations from students, staff, parents, and community members. You can find the nomination form at www.rs-wolves.com.
Reeds Spring Intermediate Learners of the Month
Reeds Spring Primary Learners of the Month
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