Five Parkway schools will have new principals when students return in August, with the district announcing appointments at two high schools and three elementary buildings since February.

The Parkway Board of Education made the announcements in a series of news releases between Feb. 19 and April 16. All five appointments take effect July 1. The district has not publicly identified the outgoing principals or the reasons for the vacancies. The appointments include a mix of internal promotions and external hires, with several of the new leaders bringing prior Parkway experience.

Two new high school principals

Dr. Jordan Palmer was the first to be announced, named Central High's next principal on Feb. 19. Palmer currently leads Winfield High in Lincoln County and previously led Sweet Springs High in central Missouri. He brings 16 years of experience and began his career as a music teacher and band director.

Dr. Greg Wagener was named South High's next principal on April 2. A Navy veteran, Wagener has more than 20 years in education and started his career as an English teacher at Parkway North High before becoming an assistant principal there. Since 2018, he has served as the district's Coordinator of Student Discipline and the Alternative Discipline Center, working with principals across all 29 Parkway schools.

Superintendent Dr. Melissa Schneider called Wagener "a dedicated and highly knowledgeable educator" with strengths in "climate and culture."

Three elementary schools get new leaders

Aaron Bryant will take over at Carman Trails Elementary, announced April 3. Bryant currently serves as assistant principal at Ross Elementary, where he has supported instructional leadership and family engagement for two years. Before joining Parkway, he was principal of Jefferson Elementary in the Farmington School District.

"I believe in being present in classrooms, learning alongside teachers and students, and leading with energy and purpose," Bryant said.

Dr. Louis Smith was named Green Trails Elementary principal on March 12. Smith currently serves as assistant principal at Henry Elementary in Parkway and previously held administrative roles in the Union School District.

"Throughout this process, it has been clear to me that Green Trails is a special place filled with caring people and strong traditions," Smith said. "I am really looking forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff."

Katie Terbrock rounds out the group, named Oak Brook Elementary principal on April 16. A 25-year Parkway veteran, Terbrock has spent her entire career in the district's elementary and middle schools, including service as principal at Wren Hollow Elementary and a role as a district math support specialist. She has served as Oak Brook's assistant principal for the past two years.

Schneider praised Terbrock's "commitment to a collaborative culture and academic rigor while embedding character education."

"The strong relationships among students, staff and community have played a huge role in the success of this school," Terbrock said.