Kris Meyer – Associate Principal
Q – How is South treating you?
A – “South has been great, yeah. So it doesn’t matter whether it’s the staff or students, everyone has been super welcoming.”
Q – I heard that you worked at a school before. Where did you work?
A – “Yeah, so I’ve worked at a few different schools, mostly in the DeSoto school district, so they call themselves USD 232 but I was a principal, an associate principal at DeSoto High School 10 years ago, and then from there, I went on to be principal at an elementary school.”
Q – What motivated you to become an administrator?
A – “We had a new principal, and she was a female, and she was principal of a high school, and she was an incredible leader. She did a lot to make sure that the students at the time who were interested in leadership could learn from her and serve on her leadership council.”
Q – Where did you go to school for this profession?
A – “Like so high school, I went to Olathe South so I’ve always loved being on the south side. Then I went on and got my masters, or my teaching degree. I got my educational arts degree at Ottawa University. Yeah, did that, and then that’s how I got my teaching degree.”
Q – What does a day in your life look like as a staff member here?
A – “So one thing that I love is that no day is the same, and you never really know what to expect in this role. Some days can surprise you, good or bad, but what I love is that every next day is a fresh slate.”
Henry Sheridan – Math Teacher
Q – How is South treating you?
A – “South is treating me well! From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt welcomed and included into the culture.”
Q – Why did you decide to teach in this school district out of every other option?
A – “From the moment I started my job search, I knew that SMSD was a place where I would thrive. SMSD has great support for new teachers especially.”
Q – What motivated you to become a part of South’s Staff?
A – “I admired South’s culture of positivity and excellence and knew I wanted to be a
part of it.”
Q – Where did you go to school for this profession?
A – “I just graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia in Spring 2025! I studied Math and Secondary Math Education. Sorry to my KU people.”
Q – What does a day in your life look like as a staff member here?
A – “I’m definitely not an early bird…so I don’t show up much earlier than 7:20. I say hello to colleagues, do some final lesson adjustments, and try to greet my first class of students at the door. I have grown to really like the flow of my schedule!”
Kolby Richter – Building Sub
Q – How is South treating you?
A – “South has been treating me amazing; it was an interesting transition for me moving from small town Iowa into the Overland Park suburbs and being in a large district, but all the SMS staff have been extremely welcoming and supportive.”
Q – Why did you decide to sub in this school district out of every other option?
A – “I wanted to surround myself in a community that would help me grow as an educator as well as a person, and Shawnee Mission South checked all these boxes.”
Q – What motivated you to become a part of South’s Staff?
A – “I think the reason I was motivated to be a part of the South staff is because of the high-quality educators and teachers that are in this building. There are so many different personalities in the building, but they all have one thing in common, a desire to be the best educator possible and serve each Raider student.”
Q – Where did you go to school for this profession?
A – “I went to Iowa State University— go Cyclones!— and got my degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education and health. I am extremely proud to call myself an alumni of Iowa State, and am a diehard fan of all Cyclone sports.”
Q – What does a day in your life look like as a staff member here?
A – “Each day brings different opportunities for me to grow as a teacher and person, and I have really enjoyed being in different environments each day.”
Mills Vick – ELA Teacher
Q – How is South treating you?
A – “South has been amazing! The staff is so welcoming and supportive. The entire school is a fun environment, and the students ensure the fun never ends!”
Q – Why did you decide to teach in this school district out of every other option?
A – “As a Shawnee Mission graduate, I knew it was the place I wanted to return to. I graduated from SMNW, but my brother graduated from South. We both had amazing experiences, which drew me even closer back to Shawnee Mission.”
Q – What motivated you to become a part of South’s Staff?
A – “I wanted an inclusive culture that fostered growth for staff and students. I was looking to coach while I taught, and the opportunity presented itself at the right time for me. It really helped that I’ve always heard great things about South and the school has everything I want.”
Q – Where did you go to school for this profession?
A – I went to Kansas State University for both my Bachelors degree and Masters degree!
Q – What does a day and your life look like as a staff member here?
A – “I like to arrive at 7:00 am – I like the calm before the storm. Specifically, to quickly drink my coffee in peace before students come to hang out. Once I’ve double-checked that I’m ready for the day, I chat with students until the bell rings. After school ends, I usually have cheer practice so I’m hustling there to get ready for them. After practice, I upload/review film, work if needed, then wind down with whatever show I need to catch up on that night.”
Additional new staff include, Samantha Goldstein – English, Sherie Griswold – Kitchen Manager, Morgan Haworth – FACS, Katie Hearn – English Language Learners, Matt Hill – Special Education, Colby Johnson – PE/Strength Conditioning, Alex McCarthy – Math, Katelyn Morlan – Registrar, Dustin Myers – Business, Christy Rose – Special Education, Christy Sumner – SPED ALC.
