Knob Noster Schools welcomes two new principals to the administrative team for 2013-2014.

Ron Franklin will be the head principal of Knob Noster Middle School this fall. Franklin comes to KNMS from the Green Ridge school district where he served three years as principal for Green Ridge’s combined junior-senior high school for grades 7-12. Before that he was a teacher and coach for 16 years at Pleasant Hill High School. In addition to duties as a social studies teacher, Franklin also coached football, baseball and wrestling, 12 of those years as the head wrestling coach. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science education at Northwest Missouri State University and received his master’s in administration at the University of Central Missouri.

The opportunity to develop young people and shape their lives through both sports and academics is what has kept him in education all these years, Franklin said. “As a teacher and coach you are able to see firsthand the development of students and see the impact you have on their lives,” he added.

Dr. Kristee Lorenz, assistant superintendent, is pleased with the addition of Ron Franklin to the administrative team. “Mr. Franklin brings strength as an instructional leader and positive energy to Knob Noster Middle School. He shares our vision for academic excellence, and our team looks forward to collaborating with him,” she said.

Another experienced educator and coach will join the administrative staff at Knob Noster High School. Bill Adams will take over as KNHS’s assistant principal next year after 30 years with the Independence School District. He taught business and technology full time at William Chrisman High School while also serving part time seven years at Andrew Drumm Alternative High School. In addition, Adams coached basketball for 27 years, football for five years and cross country for three years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and secondary education/business from Northwest Missouri State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and master’s and education specialist degrees in secondary administration from the University of Central Missouri.

Dr. Lorenz is eager for Bill Adams to join the administrative team as well. “Bill Adams brings experience in the areas of professional learning communities and student athletics/activities that will enhance the educational experience for students inside and outside of the classroom. I am impressed with his desire to keep students at the heart of decision-making,” she said.

Both Franklin and Adams are looking forward to working in the Knob Noster School District next year. “During the interview process, it became very apparent that the district is holding true to its mission of educating students to be leaders and productive members of the community after they graduate high school,” Adams said. “The leaders of the district seemed determined to always keep the best interests of their students in mind when implementing programs. I feel very fortunate to be joining this district.”

Franklin agreed with Adams’ assessment of the district and is also enthusiastic about the district’s education resources. “I am excited about working with the opportunities the district has in teacher development, professional learning communities and the vast use of technology throughout the district. I want to working with the students, staff and community of Knob Noster to develop the educational opportunities that we provide.” Franklin said.

Press Release Courtesy of Knob Noster School District

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