Hickory Hills K-8 School and Jeffries Elementary School will have new principals at the helm beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

Tracy Williams has been chosen to lead the staff and 900 students at Hickory Hills. “One of the many reasons I’m excited about this opportunity is that it will enable me to once again serve at the middle school level while also allowing me to continue my leadership at the elementary level,” Williams said. “I am so grateful for this new challenge, and I can’t wait to get started and become a part of the Hickory Hills community.”

“We are eager to have Tracy join the secondary leadership team once again. His enthusiasm for student learning, focus on doing what is best for students and collaborative nature are a great match for the Hickory Hills learning community,” said Dr. Shane Dublin, executive director of secondary learning.

Since last fall, Williams has served as interim principal at Jeffries Elementary School. Prior to that, he was assistant principal at Pleasant View K-8 School, where he had worked since 2013. Before joining the Pleasant View team, he was a coach and teacher at Cherokee Middle School for eight years.

“Tracy’s experience working in a K-8 environment distinguished him as an outstanding candidate during the selection process,” explained Dr. Mike Dawson, chief learning officer. “In addition, he has a diverse background of leadership experience with SPS and working with students in various educational roles.”

Williams possesses a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in middle school education from Drury University, a master’s degree in education leadership from Missouri State University and a specialist degree in education from William Woods University.

Tom Masterson will take on the permanent role of principal at Jeffries, filling the vacancy created by Williams. Masterson currently serves as assistant to the principal at McGregor and Sherwood elementary schools. He joined the SPS team in 2012 during which time he has also worked as a classroom teacher at McGregor Elementary School and as a building principal during Explore.

“I am excited to become part of the Jeffries community,” Masterson said. “I have heard about how strong the teaching staff is, how supportive the parents are, and all about their great students. I cannot wait to meet each and every one of them and to continue pursuing academic and character excellence at Jeffries.“

He possesses a master’s degree in K-6 administration and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics from Missouri State University. 

“We are excited to have Tom join our educational leadership team and partner in the learning with the Jeffries community,” said Dr. J. Anderson, executive director of elementary learning. “Tom is a caring leader who is intentional about connecting students with meaningful experiences.” 

Dr. Dawson also praised Masterson’s leadership skills. “He is an energetic leader who understands the value of creating a collective vision for student learning to increase achievement,” Dawson said.

Both Williams and Masterson will assume their new responsibilities effective July 1, 2018.