The Cassville R-IV School District has selected Wildcat alumna and current Cassville Middle School (CMS) Assistant Principal Samantha Cosper to serve as the next principal at CMS.

Cosper will assume her role as principal beginning July 1, 2024.

Cosper began her career in administration at CMS in 2021 and has served Wildcat students and staff in this capacity for the past three years. Her hands-on experience in both the middle school and high school classroom coupled with her administrative tenure has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the district’s needs.

“We are thrilled to announce Mrs. Samantha Cosper as the new middle school principal,” said Cassville Superintendent Merlyn Johnson. “Her dedication to school improvement, proven leadership in the middle school building, and her wealth of knowledge about our district and the community make her the ideal candidate for this role.”

Cosper began her career in education in 2008 at the Southwest School District in Washburn. While at Southwest, she served as the middle school and high school Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher. In 2011, Cosper returned to her roots and accepted a position as the FACS teacher at Cassville High School.

Along with both administrative and classroom experience, her academic accomplishments are notable. After graduating from CHS in 2005, she completed her Bachelors of Science in Family Consumer Science Education from Pittsburg State University and has earned 2 master degrees– one in Curriculum and Instruction and a second in Educational Administration, K-12.

“We are confident that her passion for education will elevate our school to new heights,” Johnson said.

This hire comes after current CMS Principal Darren Rhea announced his retirement during the November Cassville Board of Education meeting. Rhea will complete the 2023-2024 school year as principal with plans to begin retirement effective June 2024.

He began his teaching and coaching career in Texas as a middle school science teacher, however, has been a part of the CMS community for the past 28 years serving as a science teacher, assistant principal and principal.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our school and community in the role of CMS principal in the new school year,” Cosper said. “It has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Rhea and I wish him a happy retirement. I am excited to continue the positive and collaborative learning environment our team has created here at CMS.”

Cosper, and her husband Drew, reside in Cassville with their son, Ryker.