Drake named Monitor Asst. Principal

Katie Drake

Springdale Public Schools has named Katie Drake as the incoming assistant principal of Monitor Elementary School.

"I am pleased to announce Katie Drake as the new Assistant Principal of Monitor Elementary School," said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent. "Katie brings valuable administrative experience and a strong commitment to supporting student success. Her leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to serving students, teachers, and families will make her a tremendous asset to the Monitor community. She has a tremendous background in administration and a wealth of knowledge in teaching and learning. We are truly fortunate to have her return to an administrative position in Springdale, and I look forward to the positive impact she will have as she helps strengthen Monitor's outstanding culture."

"I am deeply honored and thrilled to join the Monitor Elementary team," said Drake. "As a Springdale native and proud Springdale Schools alumna, having the opportunity to serve the community I call home is incredibly meaningful. I look forward to learning, growing, and building strong, collaborative relationships with Monitor’s students, staff, and families. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Cleveland and the district leadership team, Mrs. Andi Acuff, and the Springdale School Board for this wonderful opportunity."

Drake is transitioning from Rollins Elementary School, where she served as a special education resource teacher. She brings eight years of experience as an educator to her new role, including leadership experience as the former principal of Hope Academy Northwest Arkansas Charter School.

Drake says she looks forward to bringing a strategic, systems-minded approach to complement the school's existing frameworks.

"It was immediately apparent that the staff at Monitor are deeply committed to student success, and my goal is to support and empower them as we advance this vital work together," Drake said. "Together, we will continue to strengthen these frameworks to ensure every child thrives."

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Arts in Teaching in K-12 Special Education from Harding University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas IMPACT Fellowship program.

Principal of Monitor Elementary School Andi Acuff welcomed Drake to the campus, saying she brings valuable leadership experience, a strong instructional background, and a heart for supporting all students and staff. "I know her knowledge, experience, and collaborative approach will complement the great work already happening at Monitor. I look forward to partnering with Mrs. Drake as we continue creating the best possible learning opportunities for our students and supporting our staff and families." said Acuff.

Drake lives in Tontitown with her husband, Brant, who is also a Springdale alumnus. They are blessed with seven children, four of whom are proud Springdale graduates, and three who currently attend school in the district.

Outside of work, the family loves spending time outdoors with friends and loved ones. Drake and her family are also passionate advocates for the local foster care community, and she volunteers her time training and supporting new foster families as they open their homes.

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Contact John Steele Cooper at 479-231-6947 or jscooper@sdale.org for more information.

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