The West Plains R-7 School District Board of Education has appointed Matthew Orchard as director of Human Resources and Student Services for the 2022-23 school year. The decision follows the appointment of Dr. Amy Ross as the incoming assistant superintendent.
Orchard has served as the West Plains High School principal since 2020. Before becoming the high school principal, he served as assistant principal at West Plains Middle School and West Plains Elementary.
"I am excited to welcome Mr. Orchard to the central office leadership team. Mr. Orchard has a strong background in building a culture that supports a teamwork approach to learning,” said Dr. Wesley Davis. “As West Plains continues to create exceptional opportunities for students, his leadership approach will be instrumental in our strategic plan.”
Davis, who takes the helm as district superintendent July 1, also said he is restructuring some duties and responsibilities previously held by central office staff and aligning them with each individual's strengths. Along with Orchard, the central office staff will includes Davis and Ross.
Orchard holds an Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis specialist degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from William Woods University and obtained certification through the Master of Arts in Teaching from Missouri State University in Springfield. His bachelor's degree is in Criminology and Sociology from Missouri State University.
Orchard will begin his new duties as the Director of Human Resources and Student Services on July 1. ]
The R-7 school district is taking applications for a new high school principal to fill the open position created by Orchard’s promotion, according to district Director of Communications & Community Relations Lana Snodgras.
