Springfield Public Schools has named the next principals for Jarrett Middle School and Reed Academy and Field and Williams elementary schools. They will begin their new responsibilities effective July 1.
“We are pleased to announce these outstanding individuals who are accepting new roles in our district,” said Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “We are fortunate at SPS to have such an experienced group of dedicated employees we can rely upon to fill these key leadership positions.”
Robin Collins has been named the next principal of Reed Academy. She currently serves as assistant principal at Hillcrest High School.
Collins will follow Bret Ingle, who has accepted the position of principal at Williams Elementary School.
Collins joined SPS in 2001 and has served as assistant principal at Hillcrest for the past five years, during which time she was involved in the work related to the campus renovation made possible by Proposition S. Her prior experience includes working as an educator, coach and Explore principal.
She earned a bachelor’s in physical education from Missouri State University, and a master’s in athletics and activities administration and a specialist degree in educational administration from William Woods University.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as the next leader of Reed Academy. I’m excited to continue working with the northside community and look forward to playing a role in its growth and success,” Collins said.
Billy Gosnell has been named the next principal of Jarrett Middle School. He currently serves as assistant principal – secondary for Launch Virtual Learning at SPS. He will follow Dr. Kirk Slater, who is retiring at the end of the school year after a 23-year career with SPS.
Gosnell joined SPS in 2000 and has dedicated his efforts to supporting middle school students in their academic journey. Prior to serving at Launch, Gosnell was an assistant principal at Carver Middle School for 11 years. He has also worked as administrative liaison, summer school assistant principal and as a teacher and coach at Jarrett.
Gosnell earned a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in educational administration from Missouri State University, and a specialist degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
“I am thrilled to accept the principal position at Jarrett Middle School because it presents an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, educators, and the broader school community,” Gosnell said. Jarrett Middle School holds a special place in my heart, having previously served as a teacher and coach here. I am excited to return to a place where I have witnessed firsthand the potential for growth and success in students.”
Adam Bax has been named the next principal of Field Elementary. Bax is the current principal of Wilder Elementary School, where he has served for four years. He follows Dr. Janell Bagwell, who is retiring from Field at the end of the school year after a 28-year career with SPS.
Prior to his service at Wilder, Bax served two years as an assistant principal at Jeffries Elementary and as a third- and fifth-grade teacher at Field.
He completed his undergraduate work at Missouri State University, graduate studies in educational leadership at MSU, and a specialist degree from Lindenwood University.
“I am honored to rejoin the Field family! The Field community is rooted in its Primary Years Programme, which strives to create students who are open-minded, life-long learners, and who have a respect for others,” Bax said. “These are core values of my own and I am eager to embrace the traditions and to continue building upon the great things happening at Field.”
Bret Ingle has been named the next principal of Williams Elementary. He is currently principal of Reed Academy and will replace Amanda Desa who is leaving the district.
Prior to joining Reed, Ingle worked for the Joplin School District, where he had 13 years of administrative experience as an elementary principal and a middle school assistant principal. He also served as an elementary school teacher.
Ingle completed undergraduate studies in education at Missouri Southern State University, graduate work in educational leadership at Pittsburg State University and an educational specialist degree from William Woods University.
“I am excited to join the team at Williams and am looking forward to being back in the elementary world,” Ingle said. “I am thankful for the opportunity and hope to continue the positive steps forward to make Williams the best school in the district.”