Lotz Named OMS Principal for 2025-26 School Year

The Ozark Board of Education voted to hire Jared Lotz as the Ozark Middle School principal for the 2025-26 school year during a special board meeting May 21. The position became available recently after current Principal Dr. Eric Russell accepted the superintendent position at the Sparta School District for next year. 

Lotz joined the Ozark School District as a physical education teacher in 2008. He was promoted to assistant principal of West Elementary in 2014 and five years later moved to OMS as assistant principal where he has served since 2019. He received his educational administration specialist degree from Missouri State University. 

“I am honored and excited to accept this position. My years at Ozark Middle School as assistant principal have been some of the best of my career,” Lotz said. “I truly enjoy working with this age group of students. They are excited to learn, full of energy and definitely keep things interesting. On top of that, we have an amazing staff that cares for our students well. I look forward to leading such a dynamic and talented group.”

Executive Director of Elementary Learning Dr. Kent Sappington has worked with Lotz for the past 17 years and said Lotz is going to excel in this new role.

“I have watched Jared move from teacher, to assistant principal and now to running his own building,” Sappington said. “Jared has the character and work ethic needed to keep OMS moving forward and continuing to do great things for kids.”

Russell, who has served as OMS principal since 2019, was named superintendent of the Sparta School District for the 2025-26 school year earlier this month.

“I appreciate all of Dr. Russell's efforts in creating a culture of caring and hard work at OMS,” Sappington said. “I am so excited about his new opportunity. I know he is ready for the challenge of moving into the superintendency role.”

Lotz will start his position as principal July 1. A search is now underway to fill Lotz’s assistant principal seat.