The Ferguson-Florissant School District hired five new elementary school principals for the 2012-2013 school year. The hirings are effective July 1, and they were approved by the Board of Education during a special session following last Wednesday’s board meeting.
Malinda Ice will be the principal of Robinwood Elementary School in Florissant. Ice is an experienced educator who has served as a teacher-leader for more than 15 years. She is currently an assistant principal at Mason Ridge Elementary in the Parkway School District.
Ice is a National Board Certified Teacher who specializes in analyzing data to effectively evaluate teachers and ultimately improve instruction. Ice received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in educational leadership from Cameron University in Oklahoma. She will earn a doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University in December of 2012.
Rodney Lewis will be the principal of Griffith Elementary School in Ferguson. Lewis serves as an assistant principal at Valley Park Elementary School in the Valley Park School District. He has held this position for two years. Prior to that, he was an administrative intern for two years in the Parkway School District.
Lewis’ hallmarks include creating innovative professional development opportunities for teachers and building purposeful relationships with students, staff and parents. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Barry University in Florida, master’s degrees in teaching and educational administration from Lindenwood University, and a doctorate in education from Maryville University.
Robert Ricker will be the principal of Commons Lane Elementary School in Florissant. Ricker is an assistant principal at Drummond Elementary School in the Pattonville School District. He has served in this post for four years.
Ricker has a keen understanding of the school improvement process and data analysis as it relates to student achievement. Ricker received his bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and his master’s degree in educational administration from Lindenwood University.
Emily Turner will be the principal of Lee-Hamilton Elementary School in Ferguson. Turner is an assistant principal at Daniel Boone Elementary School in the Warren County School District. She has served in this capacity for three years. During her time at the school, she has developed positive relationships with staff, students and parents. Turner implemented a tracking system to evaluate student progress, and she works tirelessly to ensure students success.
Turner received her bachelor’s degree in education from Maryville University, master’s degree in educational administration from Missouri Baptist University and she will earn a doctorate in education from Maryville University in December of 2012.
Julie Whyte will be the principal of Walnut Grove Elementary School in Ferguson. Whyte currently serves as the principal of Eastwood Hills Elementary School in the Raytown School District. She has been an elementary principal for more than 10 years and has extensive knowledge in data collection, parent and community outreach, and increasing student achievement.
Whyte earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Michigan State University, and her educational specialist degree from the University of Central Missouri.
“Each of these talented individuals will contribute to our mission of high achievement for every child through excellence and equity every day,” said Art McCoy, superintendent. “We are excited to welcome these leaders to the Ferguson-Florissant family.”
