New principals named at Noel and Southwest City elementary schools

(From the McDonald County R-1 School District)

A familiar face is stepping into a new leadership role at Southwest City Elementary! 

McDonald County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Sherry Patterson will serve as the new Principal of Southwest City Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year! 

Dr. Patterson has served as Assistant Principal at Southwest City Elementary for the past two years, building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families while helping support a positive learning environment each day. 

Before moving into administration, she spent several years in the classroom at SWC, making a lasting impact on students as a teacher.

In addition to her experience at Southwest City, Dr. Patterson has also served as superintendent in two school districts in Missouri and Arkansas, bringing a wealth of leadership experience to her new role.

McDonald County Schools is excited to announce that Toby Conrad will serve as the new Principal of Noel Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year! 

Mr. Conrad has spent the past 3 years serving as an assistant principal at McDonald County High School, where he has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families while helping support student success each day. 

Before joining McDonald County Schools, he served as principal at Decatur High School in Decatur, Arkansas.