Springfield Public Schools announced the next principal of Reed Academy on Wednesday. Bret Ingle, a principal in the Joplin School District with 13 years of administrative experience, is currently overseeing the merger of two buildings into Joplin’s unified Dover Hill Elementary. He will assume his new responsibilities with SPS on July 1 for the 2023-2024 school year.
“The middle school years are crucial to a student’s development, and I am excited to be part of the Reed community,” said Ingle. “Establishing strong relationships with students, staff and families is important to me, and I look forward to the many unique opportunities ahead for Reed – including the expansion of fine and performing arts and the potential for a beautiful, new facility designed and built for our exciting future.”
The announcement of Reed’s next principal coincides with an especially important time for the school and community. On Tuesday, April 4, voters will consider Proposition S, which would fund critical school improvements prioritized by a citizen task force that will impact every school in the district – including Reed. This no-tax rate increase would enable safety and security upgrades at all school facilities, new construction for Pipkin and Reed middle schools, renovation of Pershing School, and construction of storm shelters at Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins, and Wilder elementary schools. Reed’s new building would be constructed on its current location and the design would benefit an expansion of fine and performing arts.
Ingle joined the Joplin School District in 2003, serving as a teacher at Columbia Elementary for eight years. He later served two years as assistant principal of Joplin’s North Middle School before transitioning to principal of West Central Elementary in 2013. His career in education began in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he served as assistant for the director of curriculum overseeing data analysis and testing materials.
“SPS looks forward to welcoming Mr. Ingle to Springfield. He is exceptionally well-suited to lead Reed forward in the coming years,” said Dr. Michael Methvin, executive director of middle schools and K-8 campuses. “His extensive administrative experience in both an elementary and middle school setting, his enthusiasm for relationship building and academic excellence, and his leadership during times of transition make him the ideal choice to serve in this important role.”
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.