Sachetta Named 2009 Missouri High School Principal of the Year

Dr. Kerry Sachetta, JHS Principal 2009 Missouri High School Principal of the Year

The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) has selected Dr. Kerry Sachetta, principal at Joplin High School, as the 2009 Missouri High School Principal of the Year. MASSP will officially present the award during the annual MASSP/MCCTA Fall Conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia on October 5, 2009. Sachetta was awarded the recognition based on his impact in the areas of collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalizing the learning environment.

Joplin Superintendent Dr. C. J. Huff wrote, “Dr. Sachetta is the principal of one of the largest high schools in the State of Missouri. Under his leadership, Joplin High School has improved dramatically in nearly every area of performance. In spite of a high poverty rate and increasing special education population, Dr. Sachetta’s leadership has resulted in significant improvements in student achievement and the closing of the achievement gap. In addition, his light-hearted nature and approachability has allowed him to make these changes while improving morale, teacher retention, student attitudes, and public perception.”

Huff continued, “These results don’t happen without purposeful leadership. His strategy has been simple - maintain high expectations for all, communicate those expectations clearly, and develop high quality relationships with the community, parents, students and staff. Dr. Sachetta is a visionary, goal-oriented leader who had the courage to initiate meaningful change at Joplin High School. In a few short years, he has successfully transformed the culture of his building into a highly effective, student-centered community of learners.”

The selection was made from over 600 high school principals from throughout Missouri. Sachetta served as principal of Cornerstone Alternative High School (1995-1998) and Galena Middle School (1998-2002) in Galena, KS, and has been the principal at Joplin High School since 2002. He received his Bachelor of Science (1983), Masters (1990) and Education Specialist (1997) at Pittsburg State University, and he received a Doctor of Education (2001) from St. Louis University.

Sachetta will represent Missouri in the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals’ High School Principal of the Year program.

posted 04/15/09