Huntley, Hensley named to Carthage R-9 administrative posts

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education voted to hire two new administrators for the 2021-2022 school year during the February Board of Education meeting. 

Matt Huntley was named Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Michelle Hensley was named Fairview Elementary Principal.

Mr. Huntley has served as the principal at Carthage High School (CHS) since 2014. Before assuming the role of CHS principal, he was a 6th grade teacher, K-8 EL teacher, soccer coach, and an assistant principal at CHS. He is replacing Kandy Frazier, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

“I am honored to be selected to follow in the footsteps of my mentor and friend, Kandy Frazier,” says Mr. Huntley. “It is going to be difficult leaving CHS after 14 years, but I am looking forward to learning new things and making a positive impact on an already great school district from a fresh perch.”

Mr. Huntley graduated from MSSU with a Bachelors in Elementary Education (1996), from WWU with a Masters in Education Administration (2006), and from SBU with a Specialist of Education Administration (2010).

Michelle Hensley is replacing current principal, Ronna Patterson, who will be retiring after 31 years in education, which included 14 years as principal of Fairview Elementary. Mrs. Hensley has 18 years of experience in education, having taught fourth grade for two years, first grade for five years, fifth grade for five years, an instructional coach for five years, and an assistant principal for one year.

Says Hensley, “I am beyond excited to serve the staff, children, and community of Fairview Elementary. I pledge to build upon the foundation set before me to continue the path of excellence deserving of all Carthage R-9 students.”

Mrs. Hensley graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Science in Education from Missouri State University.

District Superintendent Dr. Mark Baker says, “We are very excited to have Mr. Huntley and Mrs. Hensley assume new leadership roles in the district. Both will do fantastic jobs keeping children’s best interest in mind as they serve our staff and community.”