Friday, June 08, 2018

Joplin native Shane Hopper hired as JHS principal

(From Joplin Schools)

Joplin Schools is pleased to announce Dr. Shane Hopper as the new principal of Joplin High School, effective July 1, 2018.

Hopper is a successful educator with extensive experience as a secondary education leader. He began his educational career two decades ago with Saint Louis Public Schools. 

From 2005-2015, Hopper served as head principal of McCluer North High School. He has been in Ritenour School District as the head principal the last three years.

“Dr. Hopper has a consistent record of school improvement at each campus he has served. His extensive experience leading large high schools in the St. Louis area coupled with his hometown knowledge of our own Joplin area climate and culture sets him up nicely to continue the positive momentum of Joplin High School,” said Dr. Melinda Moss, Superintendent.



“Those most familiar with Dr. Hopper highlight his commitment to positive relationships with
students and faculty while setting high expectations with follow-through.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hopper to our team,” added Moss.

Dr. Hopper said he is very humbly looking forward to working in collaboration with the Eagle staff,
students, parents, and community members. “I am grateful, excited, and honored to lead Joplin
High School. I certainly understand the tradition and importance of the school to this community,”
Dr. Hopper said.

“I am genuinely excited and full of gratitude. To be given the opportunity to work with the
stakeholders of Joplin is something I take quite seriously.”

He will spend the summer having one-on-one meetings with high school staff and community, as
well as making home visits to meet with families.



Dr. Hopper earned his PhD in educational leadership from Saint Louis University, and both a
master’s in educational administration and a bachelor’s in education/English from Missouri State
University.

He is a former Marine and native to Joplin. He attended Joplin Schools kindergarten through
seventh grade, prior to moving to Carl Junction and graduating high school there.

Hopper replaces Brandon Eggleston, who will become superintendent of the Seneca R-7 School District on July 1.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Appears to have legitimate education and experience, rather than being a coach with a diploma mill degree.

Anonymous said...

So what's the story with Dr. Hopper? Leaves Joplin after one year?

February 27, 2019

Dear Joplin High School Community,

With a heavy heart I am announcing that at the conclusion of the school
year, I will be leaving the Joplin area. I do have absolute affection for JHS
and most importantly, love for our students. The whole mission has
been to encourage and empower young people to reach their maximum
potential in all things they choose to examine. I sincerely believe that
ALL of our students have a chance to be highly successful in their
explorations. In life, you can be taken in many directions. I am headed
back for some personal and professional opportunities in the St. Louis
area next year.

In letting the school district know this, I am giving them ample time to
find a suitable candidate to lead Joplin High School for the 2019-20
school year. In particular, I am very thankful and grateful to Dr. Moss for
her leadership. I find it sincere and kid-centered. There are many fine
staff members here who put students first in all they do. This needs to
be a continued collective push for the success of JHS. Students need
adults they can trust and believe in each and every day.

As long as Joplin Schools keeps putting students first in all endeavors, it
will experience future and continued success. This is the key and
challenge. We still have three months of school to get this current senior
class graduated. Let’s work hard to the finish to ensure JHS students
have the best opportunities afforded to them on a daily basis.

Helping to educate,
Dr. Shane Hopper
Proud Principal of JHS