Amanda Munson has been hired as the new Houston Middle School principal.
Munson, a high school counselor from Willow Springs, was selected from a pool of four finalists who were interviewed Monday by the school board. She fills the vacancy created by the departure of Amber Stephens, who resigned in March to become the elementary counselor and special education process coordinator at Licking.
“I am excited to join the Houston School District,” Munson said. “Having lived in Houston for the past four years, I am well acquainted with many of the faculty members and students. My family and I are excited about investing all of our time and energy into one community, one school.”
Munson, 39, brings 17 years of experience in education to Houston Schools.
A 1997 Dora High School graduate, she taught kindergarten six years at her alma mater before becoming the district’s K-12 counselor in 2007. After serving in that capacity for five years, Munson joined Willow Springs in 2012 as high school counselor. She is completing her sixth year with the district.
Munson said she was intrigued by the opportunity to join Houston Schools because of the positive things she has heard about the middle school team. She also said the small building size is a great opportunity for creating and maintaining relationships with students.
“I believe it has the climate and expectations already in place that I can easily transition into,” she said. “I enjoy interacting with students and helping them become more successful in school. This position will help fulfill that desire to have a greater impact on students and their success as an individual.”
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Munson earned a degree in elementary education from Missouri State University in 2001. Three years later, she completed a masters in educational administration from William Woods University. In 2011, she completed counseling certification from MSU.
Munson’s husband, Ryan, is a former physical education instructor and coach at Houston Schools who is building a sporting goods store in Houston. They have three children: Madelyn, 14; DJ, 10; and Ryker, 10 months. The two oldest will attend Houston Schools.
Munson said she has heard positive things concerning the direction Stephens took the middle school during her three-year tenure. She plans to build on what she believes is an upward trend.
“I am coming into this position with high expectations and believe there is no room for mediocrity,” she said. “I will apply this ideal to my leadership as well. The students at Houston deserve my very best effort. I envision a middle school with highly motivated teachers and students. One where no one gives up on any one student.”
“The students at Houston deserve my very best effort. I envision a middle school with highly motivated teachers and students. One where no one gives up on any one student.”
-AMANDA MUNSON