NEW BLOOMFIELD - New Bloomfield R-3 School District announced Friday that Jennifer Fletcher will be joining the district as principal of New Bloomfield Elementary School next year.
"After many years in the district, our elementary principal is retiring at the end of this year," New Bloomfield Superintendent Sarah Wisdom said. "We thank her for her service."
Fletcher was chosen by a committee of teachers, administrators and board members.
"She is very personable and ready to get to work," Wisdom said.
Fletcher, her husband, Shane, and their son, Blaine, live in the New Bloomfield school district.
"My husband is an alumni of New Bloomfield and always spoke highly of the district," Fletcher said.
Fletcher is currently the superintendent and principal of Latham R-5 School District. Previously, she was a first-grade teacher for nine years at Harrisburg Elementary.
Her experience in small school districts was one thing that impressed the district.
According to a Facebook post from the district, Fletcher has a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, a master's degree in educational leadership and an educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri. She earned her teaching certificate from Central Methodist University.
"My passion is helping kids learn and grow as individuals," she said.
Fletcher said her top priority is communication - with students, parents, teachers and the community.
"My office is going to be an open door," she said. "Anyone can come visit me, whether they have concerns or if they just want to talk."