Kerry Sachetta, Joplin High School

Dan Clemens, Eastgate Middle School

The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) recognized Dr. Kerry Sachetta, principal at Joplin High School, as the 2009 Missouri High School Principal of the Year and Dr. Dan Clemens, principal at Eastgate Middle School in North Kansas City Schools, as the 2009 Missouri Middle School Principal of the Year.

MASSP officially presented the awards during the annual MASSP/MCCTA Fall Conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia on October 5, 2009. Sachetta and Clemens were awarded the recognition based on their impact in the areas of collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalization of the learning environment. Joplin Superintendent C. J. Huff wrote, “Dr. Sachetta is the principal of one of the largest high schools in the State of Missouri. Under his leadership, Joplin High School has improved dramatically in nearly every area of performance. In spite of a high poverty rate and increasing special education population, Dr. Sachetta’s leadership has resulted in significant improvements in student achievement and the closing of the achievement gap. In addition, his light-hearted nature and approachability has allowed him to make these changes while improving morale, teacher retention, student attitudes, and public perception.”

Huff continued, “These results don’t happen without purposeful leadership. His strategy has been simple - maintain high expectations for all, communicate those expectations clearly, and develop high quality relationships with the community, parents, students and staff. Dr. Sachetta is a visionary, goal-oriented leader who had the courage to initiate meaningful change at Joplin High School. In a few short years, he has successfully transformed the culture of his building into a highly effective, student-centered community of learners.”

The selection was made from more than 600 high school principals from throughout Missouri. Sachetta served as principal of Cornerstone Alternative High School (1995-1998) and Galena Middle School (1998-2002) in Galena, KS, and has been the principal at Joplin High School since 2002.  He received his Bachelor of Science (1983), Masters (1990) and Education Specialist (1997) at Pittsburg State University, and he received a Doctor of Education (2001) from St. Louis University.

North Kansas City Schools Assistant Superintendent Todd White wrote, “Dr. Clemens has made a significant impact upon Eastgate Middle School’s academic achievement, school culture and community engagement. Eastgate’s school improvement has been a model of collaborative leadership and teacher engagement. Dr. Clemens has led the school’s building leadership team with great vision and dedication to make data driven decisions as to what is best for students. Additionally, new program opportunities have emerged to assist students and their families in school and community wide betterment. The Local Investment Commission (LINC) has become a vital part of Eastgate’s culture and success. Comprised of parents, students and community members, LINC has embraced the concept that all stakeholders have the opportunity to make positive contributions to their school and community.

White continued, “Much of the success of Eastgate has been in the systematic processes and procedures established during Dr. Clemens’ tenure that has now begun to take root. However, the success of this work is directly related to Dr. Clemens’ ability as a person of high character, intensity of purpose and a love for kids. Dr. Clemens works to build the capacity of each student, teacher and parent in an effort to ensure the success for all. His honest, direct and caring attitude is evident in all he does and with each person he contacts. He is a true leader and an exceptional principal.”

The selection was made from more than 400 middle school principals from throughout Missouri.  Clemens has served as an elementary principal in St. Joseph and North Kansas City school districts and has been the principal at Eastgate Middle School since 2005.  He received a Bachelor of Science (1995) from Missouri Western State University, a Master’s (1997) and Specialist in Education (2000) from Northwest Missouri State University, and a Doctor of Education (2006) from Nova Southeastern University.

MASSP sponsors the High School and Middle School Principal of the Year Programs.  Dan Clemens will represent Missouri in the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Middle School Principal of the Year program and Kerry Sachetta, principal at Joplin High School, has been named as the 2009 Missouri High School Principal of the Year and will represent Missouri in the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals’ High School Principal of the Year program.