The Smithville School District is pleased to announce the Board of Education approved a new Executive Director of Grades PK-6 and Executive Director of Grades 7-14 for the 2024-2025 school year.
The district office will reorganize following the retirement of Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, Michelle Kratofil. Her position, along with merging the Director of Student Services position, will be replaced with an Executive Director of Grades PK-6 and Executive Director of Grades 7-14.
“These Executive Directors will manage academic and student services. This reorganization is in response to feedback from staff. The goal is that the new structure will better support students and individual needs of our elementary and secondary buildings. This allows us to address this with no additional cost,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Maus.
PJ McGinnis has accepted the role of Executive Director of Grades 7-14. Dr. McGinnis has substantial experience in education. He began his career as a K-12 Physical Education teacher, then proceeded to serve as an Assistant Principal at Eastgate Middle School. He is currently Principal at Northgate Middle School. Throughout his time serving in education, Dr. McGinnis has won the Dr. Vicki Baker Award, the Outstanding Building Leadership Award, and Northgate Middle School won the Dr. Mary Richter School of Distinction Award while he was serving as Principal.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the winning Smithville School District team. Smithville has a tremendous reputation and many marks of success to prove it. As a leader and competitor throughout my life, I greatly admire the champion mentality of Smithville, in and out of the classroom,” stated McGinnis. In this position, I intend to be an innovative and reliable support to the already winning traditions. Collaborating with the community to guarantee that students are realizing their unique and full potential excites me. I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to work for the Smithville School District in this capacity.”
Dr. McGinnis attended the University of Central Missouri where he earned a Master of Science in Physical Education, Exercise, and Sport Science, with a major in Sports Business and Administration. He also earned a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri- Kansas City and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from William Woods University.
Dr. McGinnis will start his new role as Executive Director of Grades 7-14 on July 1, 2024. Welcome to the Warrior Family, Dr. McGinnis!