The West Plains R-7 School District has named Michael Davis as an assistant principal at West Plains High School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Davis will join an administrative team led by Principal Ryan Smith and Assistant Principal Colton Hensley. His appointment begins July 1.
Davis has been with the R-7 district since 2018, holding a wide range of positions. He initially served on the maintenance and custodial staff and worked as a paraprofessional in the SWAT (Students Working at Transition) program. He began his teaching career in 2020 as a special education teacher at Zizzer Pride Academy (ZPA) before teaching fifth-grade science and social studies. Most recently, he served as the district’s coordinator of at-risk services and director of ZPA.
“Mr. Davis is a proven leader whose roots in this district run deep,” said Matthew Orchard, incoming deputy superintendent and current director of human resources. “From his dedicated years in the classroom as a paraprofessional and teacher to his impactful work as coordinator of at-risk services and ZPA director, his service and understanding of our district and building culture made him a great choice.”
A graduate of West Plains High School, Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and supervision from William Woods University.
In addition to his administrative and classroom roles, Davis has coached middle school football and tennis.
