Dr. Deborah Stephens has been appointed principal at Central High School starting July 1. Stephens replaces Dr. Marlie Williams, who has accepted a position in the Liberty School District.

Dr. Stephens is currently the Principal at Eugene Field Elementary School, a post she has held since 2010. She has 12 years of secondary administrative experience, having served five years as an Assistant Principal at Blue Springs South High School, and two years as Assoc. Principal for the Blue Springs Freshman Center.

“Dr. Stephens is a strong instructional leader and her appointment will help ensure that Central High School continues to make progress in student achievement,” said Dr. Melody Smith, Superintendent of Schools.

The District announced several other personnel changes in a news release Friday.

Chris Early will be the new Assistant Principal at Lafayette High School, replacing Kris Compton, who is retiring. Mr. Early has been serving as the instructional coach at LHS.

Jill Huntsman will be the new Assistant Director at Hillyard Technical Center. She will join Dennis Merritt, the new Director at HTC. Mr. Merritt is replacing Regina Briggs, who is retiring.

On Thursday, the St Joseph PTA Council held its annual banquet to honor achievement within the district. Superintendent Dr. Melody Smith received the National PTA Life Achievement Award. Joni Owens, Principal at Parkway Elementary School, received the PTA’s Outstanding Principal Award. Cheri Patterson and Eileen Duty received the PTA Distinguished Service Award.