At its meeting on April 18, 2024, the Republic School District Board of Education approved the hiring of two individuals for new roles within the district.
Mr. Chris Stallings, Republic Intermediate School Principal
After completing the interview process, the Board of Education named Mr. Chris Stallings as Principal of Republic Intermediate School beginning July 1, 2024.
Mr. Stallings is coming to Republic from Fordland Schools, where he is currently the Secondary School Principal. He previously served in the Fair Grove School District for 14 years in a variety of leadership positions, including High School Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. Mr. Stallings also has experience as Assistant Principal for Hollister Schools, and Social Studies teacher for Bolivar High School and Ash Grove Elementary.
Mr. Stallings holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Social Studies from Missouri State University, as well as two Master of Science in Education degrees – one in Curriculum and Instruction, the other in Administration. He also completed a specialist degree in Education Administration.
Mr. Stallings’ extensive education and leadership experience will support the success of staff and students at the new Republic Intermediate School.
As a reminder, Republic Intermediate School will be a new school building for all 5th and 6th grade students in the Republic School District. Construction is on schedule for the building to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 school year. Follow along with construction updates here.
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, Mr. Stallings will collaborate with other district leaders to finalize building plans, hire employees, build relationships with staff and students, among other responsibilities, before the building officially opens in the summer of 2025. He will also support buildings and the district with additional administrative needs.
“I am humbled to be a part of the RepMO team during this exciting time of opening a new building. The culture and academic success of this district speaks for itself,” said Mr. Chris Stallings. “It is an honor to be a Republic Tiger! I look forward to serving the students, staff and parents of Republic Intermediate School.”
Mrs. Leah Coffey, Assistant Director of Secondary Special Services
In addition, Mrs. Leah Coffey was approved as Assistant Director of Secondary Special Services, effective July 1, 2024.
Mrs. Coffey comes to Republic from Ozark Schools, where she has served as a Process Coordinator for six years, helping to supervise and support the special education program. She has an extensive background in working with students with disabilities as she also has experience as a Special Education teacher.
Mrs. Coffey holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in Special Education. She also has a specialist degree in Educational Administration.
The Assistant Director of Secondary Special Services is a new position for the 2024-2025 school year. It will fall under the Department of Student Services, which was recently restructured by combining Federal Programs & Student Services and the Special Education Department. As Assistant Director of Secondary Student Services, Mrs. Leah Coffey will oversee special education compliance and support for Republic Middle School and Republic High School.
"I am honored to be joining the Republic School District,” said Mrs. Leah Coffey. “I look forward to working in a collaborative space with teachers, administrators and staff in order to promote student growth and transitions."
Mrs. Coffey understands the importance of meeting the individualized needs of students with disabilities and providing support to teachers, while complying with state and federal special education requirements.
“We look forward to both Mr. Stallings and Mrs. Coffey joining our team,” said Dr. Matt Pearce, Superintendent of Schools. “Both individuals will contribute to our district’s mission with their unique expertise and perspectives, as we continue to pursue academic excellence and strong school culture, so all students can learn and grow.”