FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lewis County C-1 Selects Megan Carmody as Next Highland Elementary Assistant Principal LEWISTOWN, MO – 5/28/25 –
The Lewis County C-1 School District is pleased to announce the selection of Megan Carmody as the new Assistant Principal for the Highland Elementary School, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent John French stated: "Megan Carmody has been an invaluable asset to the Lewis County C-1 School District for nearly two decades. The body of work she has accumulated in our district is what truly set her apart from other high-quality, internal applicants we had for this position.”
Ms. Carmody has been an integral part of the Lewis County C-1 family for 19 years, serving as the music teacher at Highland Elementary. For 15 of those years, she has also directed the district's drama program, overseeing 27 productions involving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her work in these roles has not only fostered creativity and performance skills but has also strengthened her abilities in organization, mentorship, and community engagement, which directly translate to school leadership.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Carmody has demonstrated significant leadership within the district, particularly in the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Highland Elementary. She has served on the PBIS team for 15 years and has led the Tier 1 committee for the past 8 years. Her leadership has included developing Tier 1 supports, analyzing behavior data, and collaborating with staff to ensure consistent expectations. She has worked closely with Mr. Scifres and Mr. Post on PBIS strategies and is recognized for her role in helping make PBIS part of the culture at Highland Elementary. Her commitment to school improvement and student success through PBIS is well-documented.
Ms. Carmody is also an active member of the district's leadership cadre, where she contributes to district-wide planning, policy discussions, and initiative planning, including the recent adoption of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Her involvement in the Building/District Leadership Team and her presentations at district events further highlight her dedication to collaborative improvement. She has also served as a dedicated mentor to new teachers at Highland Elementary.
Academically, Ms. Carmody is well-prepared for her transition into administration. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Culver-Stockton College and a master's in music education from Boston University. She is currently pursuing an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Principalship from Arkansas State University and is expected to graduate in December 2025, where she has maintained an exemplary 4.0 GPA throughout her Ed.S program.
Ms. Carmody shared that her educational philosophy is, “centered on nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—in a safe environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged." She emphasizes the critical role of quality educators who provide consistent routines, clear, differentiated instruction, and genuine care. She also shared that she believes collaboration among teachers, administrators, families, and the entire school community is essential for creating a culture where everyone feels accountable for student success. Ms. Carmody added, “My mission has always been to help students grow into the people they are capable of becoming and I strive to model lifelong learning, compassion, and dedication.” Ms. Carmody’s dedication to continuous improvement is notable and she has been recognized through several awards, including Highland Elementary Teacher of the Year (2016), Northeast Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year (2022), and Missouri State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist (2022). Ms. Carmody expressed her enthusiasm for the new role in her application, stating her excitement to use her skills to lead at a higher level and her hope to be a respected leader supporting students, teachers, and families
The Lewis County C-1 District looks forward to welcoming Megan Carmody to her new position and the continued positive impact she will have on the students, staff, and families of Highland Elementary. Reflecting on the selection, current Superintendent John French stated: "Megan Carmody's deep understanding of our students, staff, and community, coupled with her proactive leadership in areas like PBIS and other district initiatives, makes her a natural fit for this administrative role. We are confident she will continue to contribute significantly to the success of Highland Elementary and the District." Current HES Principal and recently announced Superintendent-Elect, Larry Post said, "Megan has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and will be a tremendous asset to the Lewis County C-1 administrative team!” Mr. Paul Scifres, newly announced 2025-26 Highland Elementary Principal, who has worked closely with Ms. Carmody added: "I've had the privilege of working closely with Megan on implementing effective behavior support systems at Highland Elementary. Her dedication to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students is truly exceptional. Her insights and collaborative approach will be a tremendous asset to the administrative team as we work together to support our teachers and students."
About Lewis County C-1 School District:
Lewis County C-1, home of the Highland Cougars, is a small rural district that spans over 410 square miles and encompasses parts of 5 counties, including Lewis, Knox, Clark, Shelby, and Marion counties.
Contacts:
John French, Superintendent, jfrench@lewis.k12.mo.us (573)209-3217
Larry Post, Current HES Principal, lpost@lewis.k12.mo.us (573)209-3586
Paul Scifres, Current HES Assistant Principal, pscifres@Lewis.k12.mo.us (573)209-3586