Nixa High principal, Branson Junior High assistant principal named best in southwest MO

David Kelly, who has been principal of Nixa High School since 2019, has been named the best principal in southwest Missouri.

Branson Junior High School's Tim Butler was also named the region's top assistant principal.

The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals announced the winners Thursday for southwest Missouri. Kelly and Butler were presented their awards in front of colleagues and others.

The association works to improve student achievement and promote positive leadership.

As winners in southwest Missouri, Kelly and Butler are now in the running for the 2024-25 Missouri Principal of the Year and Missouri Assistant Principal of the Year, respectively.

Kelly, a graduate of Nixa High School, started his teaching career in Dallas County and later took a job teaching social studies at Nixa High School, where he was assistant principal before getting the principal job.

He previously served as assistant principal at Hollister High School. He has a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate from Evangel University.

Butler, a graduate of Branson High School, was surprised with the award Thursday in front of students and staff.

Starting his 12th year with the district, Butler was named the assistant principal at Branson Junior High School nine years ago. He previously served as a classroom teacher at Cedar Ridge Intermediate.

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Butler has a master's degree and doctorate from Evangel.

"This award represents not only my individual efforts, but also the outstanding support and dedication of our entire school community," said Butler, in a news release. "It is truly an honor to work alongside such a dynamic and committed team."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Nixa High principal, Branson Junior High assistant principal named best in southwest MO