Hickman principal chosen

Hickman High School is getting a new leader, a man known for stretching a buck and still creating innovative programs.

Mike Jeffers, principal of Truman High School in Independence, was chosen from a pool of more than 20 applicants to take the helm of Columbia’s largest high school with 2,048 students, Superintendent Phyllis Chase confirmed Wednesday in a meeting at the Columbia Missourian.

Columbia Schools Human Resources Director Mary Laffey said in an e-mail, “We are thrilled to have a candidate with exceptional head high school principal experience.”

Jeffers will replace Wanda Brown. Chase has appointed Brown to a position at the district office as assistant superintendent of secondary schools. Jeffers will visit Columbia next week to meet with teachers, students and staff at Hickman.

Jeffers, who has 21 years of education experience, all at Truman, said he found out he was selected for the position on Sunday.

Jeffers taught for 12 years at Truman, was the assistant principal for five years and principal for four.

“That was part of the attraction — being in a different building, and Columbia Hickman has a wonderful reputation,” Jeffers said in a phone interview Wednesday.

Jeffers heard about the open position from Andy Kohl, now the associate principal at Truman who was hired to be the next principal at Rock Bridge High School beginning in July.

The two administrators worked together for four years at Truman. Jeffers was the school’s principal, and Kohl was both an assistant and associate principal.

“I believe it will be a good working relationship between the two high schools,” Jeffers said.

Truman has 1,700 students, in grades nine through 12, and Hickman has 2,048 students in grades 10 through 12. Rock Bridge is smaller with 1,494 students.

With the board’s approval, Jeffers and Kohl’s contracts will begin July 1. The Columbia School Board is expected to vote on the contracts as part of the consent agenda for the May 9 board meeting.

Jeff Knold, broadcast production teacher at Truman, said that Jeffers will be missed, not only by teachers, but by the students.

“You’re going to want to lock him in on as long of a contract as possible,” Knold said. “He can look through all the politics and the emotion of a situation and find the truth.”

Knold also said Jeffers has the ability to expand programs within a school using limited funds, allowing for a more well-rounded education.

“(Independence) is not a rich district,” he said. “But he’s recognized as somebody who’s brought the production, broadcast and journalism programs to light, to give the school that type of reputation.”