Officials with the West Plains R-7 School District have announced Virginia Uphaus will assume the role of West Plains Elementary School principal for the 2024-2025 school year. Effective July 1, 2024, she will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of current Principal Becky Hutchinson.
Uphaus is currently an assistant principal at West Plains Elementary and has served since 2021. Before becoming an assistant principal, she taught third and fourth grades for 12 years in the elementary.
She holds a Master of Education in Administration Degree from William Woods University, and a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University.
"Mrs. Uphaus' commitment to educational leadership and her understanding of the West Plains Elementary School are the cornerstones of a seamless transition and lasting stability in our schools. She is a great choice for the role, and I am excited to see where she leads the building," said Dr. Wesley Davis, Superintendent of Schools.
Hutchinson’s retirement was formally accepted by the West Plains School Board in its Nov. 14 regular monthly meeting; she has led the elementary school since 2021, when Dr. Donnie Miller left the position to serve as principal for West Plains Middle School.
