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Learning Department

Learning Department Administrators

A headshot of Craig Carson

 

Dr. Craig Carson

Assistant Superintendent of Learning

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Saint Louis University 

The Assistant Superintendent of Learning oversees all levels of curriculum development and implementation, supervising the Executive Director of Secondary Learning, the Executive Director of Elementary Learning, the Executive Director of Special Services and the Executive Director of Student Services.  

Phone: 417-582-5951
Email: craigcarson@ozarktigers.org

 

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Dr. Kent Sappington

Executive Director of Secondary Learning

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Evangel University

  • Named Executive Director of Secondary Learning of Ozark School District in 2026
  • Named Executive Director of Elementary Learning of Ozark School District in 2019
  • Served as Principal of East Elementary 2007 - 2019
  • The Executive Director of Secondary Learning oversees secondary (junior school and high school) principals, and instructional coaches

Phone: 417-582-5953
Email: ​​​​​kentsappington@ozarktigers.org

 

 

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black dress stands in front of a red background.

Dr. Anna Thurman

Executive Director of Elementary Learning

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Southwest Baptist University

  • Named Executive Director of Elementary Learning of Ozark School District in 2026
  • Named Executive Director of Student Services of Ozark School District in 2025
  • Served as Principal of East Elementary from 2019 until she was named Director of Interventions in 2023
  • The Executive Director of Elementary Learning oversees elementary and middle school principals, as well as instructional coaches

Phone: 417-582-5986
Email: annathurman@ozarktigers.org

 

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Gerald Chambers

Executive Director of Student Services

Education Specialist Degree - Southwest Baptist University

  • Named Executive Director of Student Services of Ozark School District in 2026
  • Named Executive Director of Secondary Learning of Ozark School District in 2018
  • The Executive Director of Student Services oversees federal programs, the health services department, counselors and student interventions, as well as serves as the district attendance officer and homeless/migrant/foster care coordinator 

Phone: 417-582-5962
Email: ​​geraldchambers@ozarktigers.org

Click for student Services Department here

 

A smiling woman with graying hair and a striped sweater stands in the foreground, with a blurred red and white hallway in the background.

Dr. Elizabeth Dawson

Executive Director of Special Services

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - William Woods University 

  • Named Executive Director of Special Services of Ozark School District in 2026
  • Served as Principal of Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center from 2021 - 2026
  • The Executive Director of Special Services oversees special education services PK-12, process coordinators and therapists

Phone: 417-582-5986
Email: ​elizabethdawson@ozarktigers.org

click for special Services Department here