Anderson Named OMS Assistant Principal

On June 19, the Ozark Board of Education voted to hire Lisa Anderson as the Ozark Middle School assistant principal for the 2025-26 school year. The position became available recently after the board named current Assistant Principal Jared Lotz as middle school principal for next year. 

“I’m honored and excited to accept the role of assistant principal at OMS,” Anderson said. “Over the past 10 years — as a math teacher and most recently as a math/science instructional coach — I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the most amazing students, dedicated staff and supportive families. This community means the world to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving OMS in this new role!"

Anderson, who currently serves as an instructional coach at OMS, started her education career as a math teacher in 2011 at Hollister Middle School. She joined the Ozark School District in 2015, where she served as a math teacher at OMS and Ozark Junior High for five years before transitioning into the role of an instructional coach in 2020. She received her masters in curriculum and instruction in 2019 from Lindenwood University and her educational leadership specialist degree in 2024 from Northwest Missouri State University. 

Executive Director of Elementary Learning Dr. Kent Sappington said he’s confident Anderson will transition smoothly into the assistant principal role, and he is excited to see the positive impact she’ll have on the school. 

“I have worked with Lisa for many years in her coaching role. When she completed her administration degree, I was very afraid I would lose her to another district,” Sappington said. “I am so happy that an admin spot opened up in the district, and I am able to keep Lisa as a part of my elementary team. I look forward to seeing her expertise in curriculum and instruction put into practice through an admin lens.”

Both Anderson and Lotz officially start their new roles at OMS on July 1.