Gilbreth, who has been principal at South (formerly Memorial) Middle School for the past 12 years, will assume his new duties February 6 and will be replaced at South by former North Middle School Principal Barbara Cox.
This is the second consecutive year that Cox has been hired to replace a departing principal for the remainder of the school year. Last year, she replaced former East Middle School Principal Bud Sexson at the end of the fall semester. Sexson was reassigned and then was not rehired at the conclusion of his contract.
Gilbreth's greatest challenge as a middle school principal came early in his tenure.
On October 9, 2006, a 13-year-old student brought an assault rifle into Memorial Middle School, shot one round at the ceiling and then pointed the gun directly at Gilbreth, who had stepped into the shooter's path in an effort to stop him and save the students, teachers, and staff in the building.
The teen's gun jammed, according to law enforcement officials and he was subdued.
Since that time, Gilbreth oversaw the move from Memorial to the new South Middle School, and became one of the few principals to survive the C. J. Huff/Angie Besendorfer administration.
The transition will not be that great for Gilbreth as he moves into the new assistant superintendent position. He has been handling many of the same duties all through this school year.
With his promotion, new Superintendent Melinda Moss, who is scheduled to begin her duties April 1, will now have two well-schooled district veterans, Gilbreth and former Joplin High School Principal Kerry Sachetta, in assistant superintendent positions.
Gilbreth began his career teaching technology, reading, and communication arts at North Middle School for five years. He was assistant principal at North for three years before becoming principal at Memorial.
Gilbreth received his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University in English Education, his master’s and specialist degrees in Administration from Pittsburg State University and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.
Where's Dozier?
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice, well deserved honor. Congratulations Dr. Gilbreth.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!
ReplyDeleteI love Dr. Gilbreth!!
My only concern is his backing of the reading assessment that really doesn't assess reading in lower grades. I hope he has some really good support in regards to young children learning to read and assessing them correctly.
Joplin school district is lucky to have Dr. Gilbreth. He is an awesome leader who will continue to serve the district well.
ReplyDeleteI agree. He will do well. But sad for future kids at south not to experience such a great man.
DeleteNo kidding WTH is Doshier doing and why are the tax payers paying her 6 figure salary? Let's go BOE, get her out!!!! She has no business leading any part of the district.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Steve!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. He will do a great job. Me and my daughter where blessed to have him as her principal I'm so glad for that. He will do great things.
ReplyDeleteDoshier had a two year contract given to her by CJ Huff before he "retired". If I do the math correctly that means it expires at the end of June. I would say ask the question of where is she after then.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope he doesn't continue playing favorites. Says he will help people but doesn't follow through unless you're in his clique.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. You have been one of the best principals my girls have had.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I fought for a year and a half tho get dyslexia/dyscalcula on my son's IEP and get him help. I finally got MPACT (Missouri Parent Act)involved to get it added. When my son tried to tell teachers he had it, he was repeatedly called a liar and they still don't follow the recommendations of the doctor that tested him.
ReplyDeleteFile due process!
DeleteTell them you want an eval done by a 3rd party you both agree on, not R8 school psych. District pays for it. Take MPACT rep to IEP meetings with you. Make sure he has accommodations in IEP & that they do them. Each teacher your son has signs off that they are aware of them. Like Steve says, "Hold their feet to the fire."
DeleteI tried to find out from them where I could have him tested but they didn't know. I found out from his doctor and had him tested but they don't want to follow the recommendations. There was an MPACT rep on conference call at the last meeting. They were told they had to add it.
ReplyDeleteIn 25 years in education, I have never seen a more kid oriented administrator. I hope he will be able to advocate for the kids of Joplin on a larger basis! Congrats Steve!
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