Skyline’s McFatrich to Retire at End of School Year

Kelly McFatrich, who has been principal of Skyline Elementary School since 2006, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

She joined Sedalia School District 200 in 1996 as a fifth-grade teacher at Washington Elementary. She became the school’s guidance counselor in 2001 and held that position until her promotion to Skyline principal in 2006. McFatrich earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Central Missouri; she also holds master’s and specialist degrees in educational administration from William Woods University.

Among her accomplishments, McFatrich was named the 2024 Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Central Region Distinguished Principal. For the 2022-23 school year, Skyline Elementary was ranked 4th in the state for student growth in the area of English Language Arts (ELA), according to the St. Louis University Prime Center Statewide Growth Report.

The Prime Center obtained MAP scores from 1,009 elementary schools and Skyline was among seven schools that showed the highest attainable growth score of 100, which means the student growth between the 3rd grade MAP test and the 4th grade MAP test was exceptional. This year, Skyline was recognized as 12th in the state of Missouri for growth in English Language Arts on the MAP test.

On the 2025 APR Report, the school earned 93.7% of the points for Performance and a full 100% for Continuous Improvement. All areas in Math and Language Arts were rated “On Track” or “At Target.

“After 32 years in education — including two decades as principal of Skyline Elementary — I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude. Serving our students, partnering with families, and working alongside dedicated educators has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” McFatrich said. “This school community has shaped me every bit as much as I hope I’ve shaped it."

Superintendent Dr. Todd Fraley praised McFatrich for her many years of service in the district as a teacher, counselor and principal. “Mrs. ‘Mac,’ as she is affectionately known, impacted thousands of students and families over her career,” Fraley said. “She was always quick with a joke to lighten the room, and is a grand entertainer. Her dynamic personality lifted the spirits of both students and staff. Having leaned on her for advice and insight, I will certainly miss her honesty and expertise as part of our administrative team. Mrs. Mac is going to be very hard to replace!"

McFatrich expressed pride in all that has been accomplished at Skyline.

“Our daily mission affirms that every student will learn at the highest level in a safe and trusting environment, and I truly believe we strive to live that mission every single day,” she said.

“Research shows that classroom teachers are the strongest factor in student success, but the principal plays the next most important role. I have always taken that responsibility seriously. … As I look ahead, I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know that my years in education have been deeply rewarding. I will miss the students — their energy, their humor, and the joy they bring to school each day. I will also miss my colleagues, dear friends who have walked through countless challenges and celebrations with me,” McFatrich concluded.