Alumnus named MO Assistant Principal of the Year

Jeffrey Meisenheimer, assistant principal at Lee's Summit High School, was selected as the Missouri Assistant Principal of the Year as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)/Virco Assistant Principal of the Year Program. He was selected based upon the impact he makes in providing collaborative leadership; his involvement in curriculum, instruction and assessment; and in personalizing education for students at Lee's Summit High School.

Mr. Meisenheimer will be honored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) at their spring conference on March 29. Jim King, MASSP executive director, said, "The position of assistant principal is a vital member of the school's administrative team. The assistant principal is expected to be everything to everybody. The assistant principal is expected to be at all activities and solve everyone's problems. The assistant principal is involved with evaluating teachers as well as working with data to improve curriculum and instruction. Many individuals serve in the role of assistant principal as a career and are dedicated to the students and communities they serve."

Dr. John Faulkenberry, LSHS principal, added, "A key role for any assistant principal is effectively managing students. Working one-on-one with students may be Jeff’s greatest attribute. Besides treating each student with patience and dignity, Jeff seeks out his most difficult students for the purpose of establishing a relationship that might help change each one's respective attitude towards school. I have been amazed at the deep relationships he has put in place with difficult kids. Although he often makes tough decisions, Jeff's demeanor never makes the situation more difficult. In fact, it is often the existing relationship with a parent that makes the decision more palatable."

Mr. Meisenheimer earned his bachelor's degree in business education in 1994 at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master's degree in educational administration in 2000 and a specialist degree in educational administration in 2006 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.   

He previously taught and served as an assistant principal at Ruskin High School in Hickman Mills School District prior to moving to his current position as at Lee's Summit High School in 2004. He is involved in civic activities, including Habitat for Humanity, Masonic Lodge of Lee's Summit and Chapman, Kan., tornado relief. Mr. Meisenheimer has also presented at several conferences and has participated in a variety of professional development opportunities.

Lee's Summit Journal Article by Emily Jarrett 10.15.09