Meet Our Board Members
Behind Every Great District is a Great Board!
Mr. Mike Smith, President
I am a 2002 graduate of Eminence High School. After high school, I attended Lyon College and Southwest Baptist University, earning my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a teaching certificate for grades 5–12, and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.
I began my career in education as a business, mathematics, and history teacher at Southern Reynolds School District, where I also served as Athletic Director and head baseball coach. After my time in education, my wife and I became small business owners, operating Windy’s Canoe Rental for nine years. In 2020, we expanded our efforts by transitioning to Circle B Campground in Eminence, which we still operate today.
I live in Birch Tree with my wife, Holly, who has taught in the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District for 19 years. We have two daughters—Morgan, a sophomore at Liberty High School, and Dani, a sixth grader at Liberty Middle School. Our family believes strongly in supporting our local community through both financial contributions and a commitment to shopping locally. Over the years, we have attended several churches in the area, allowing us to build meaningful relationships across different congregations.
This is my second year serving on the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board. I chose to serve because education is the foundation of future success, and every child deserves a high-quality education. As a former teacher, coach, and athlete—and as a parent with two children in the district—I wanted to bring both professional and personal perspectives to the board. The most rewarding part of serving is seeing the progress in our district, whether through facility improvements, new programs, or our continued financial stability. I’m proud of our district’s strong commitment to academics and the unwavering support from our community.
My hope for our students is that they leave MVBT ready for life—whether they choose trade school, college, or enter the workforce. I want every student to feel valued here and to have found something in our district that inspired them. That’s the heart of what we do.
Mr. John Thompson, Vice President
I am a 2004 graduate of Liberty High School. After high school, I attended the University of Missouri, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. My career in the animal health industry has included work with Purina Dairy Nutrition and Pfizer Animal Health, and now work in pharmaceutical distribution with MWI. In my career I have been able to combine my passion for agriculture with supporting the health and well-being of animals.
I live in Mountain View with my wife, Lauren, and our three children—Brian, a sophomore at Liberty High School; Attalyn, a freshman at Liberty High School; and Justin, a sixth grader at Liberty Middle School. Our family is proud to be part of the Mountain View-Birch Tree community.
This is my third year serving on the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board. I chose to serve because I saw it as an opportunity to give back and to play a role in shaping the future of our community’s youth. The thing I enjoy most about serving is witnessing the many achievements of our students. My hope for the district is that every student has access to opportunities that will inspire their futures.
Dr. Mikael Orchard, MSBA Delegate
I am a proud graduate of Liberty High School. Following graduation, I attended the University of Missouri and later the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Since 2004, I have been honored to serve the Mountain View community as a veterinarian, providing care to animals and support to their owners. My career in veterinary medicine has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to combine my passion for science with my commitment to helping others—both human and animal.
I live in Mountain View with my wife, Terri. We have two daughters - Abigail and Alexa. Lexie is a student at Liberty High School. Abigail is beginning her first year as a Special Education teacher at Mountain View Elementary. Our family calls this community home, and we are committed to its continued growth and success.
I have served on the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board for seven years and currently hold the position of Board President. I chose to serve because I am proud of our community and want to contribute to making it even better. The most rewarding part of this role is seeing the growth of our students. My hope for the district is that every student will be able to reach their full potential, supported by the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Mr. Josh Roberts
I am a graduate of Liberty High School and a lifelong resident of Mountain View. I work alongside my family in our business, Roberts Wood Products, which has been a part of our community for many years.
I live in Mountain View with my wife, Valerie. We have three sons—Owen, Kyle, and Nate. We are actively involved in our local church, where we value the opportunity to serve and support others.
I have served on the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board since 2019. I chose to join the board as a way to serve the community, staff, and students. I prefer to work quietly behind the scenes, but I am deeply committed to making decisions that put the best interests of our students first.
My hope for the district is that we continue to provide an excellent education in a safe and supportive environment, helping every student be the best they can be.
Mr. Gaylon Noble
I am a proud graduate of Liberty High School. After graduation, I attended Southern Missouri Technical Institute, where I earned my welding certification. I am currently a grader operator for Howell County Road and Bridge, where I have worked for 25 years.
I live in Mountain View with my wife, Tonie. We have been blessed with five children—Dalton, Donya, Kyleigh, Wyatt, and Allisyn—as well as six grandsons and three granddaughters. Our family is actively involved in the Mountain View Christian Church, and I have had the privilege of assisting with community outreach events such as Jesus in the Park.
This is my second year serving on the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board. I chose to run for the board because I want to ensure that every student receives a quality education, no matter their background. I am also committed to rebuilding communication and trust between our community and the school district.
What I enjoy most about serving is working alongside other dedicated board members, teachers, and administrators. I appreciate that no one has an agenda and that every topic is approached with an open mind and a shared goal. One of my hopes for our district is that every student will achieve success and receive the very best education possible.
Mr. Cody Honeycutt
Mr. Brandon Tate
I am a 2006 graduate from Wichita South High School. I attended the Kansas School of Ministry
where I graduated, receiving my license for ministry.
God uprooted my family and I from Wichita, KS in July of 2021 and planted us in Birch Tree, MO.
Alani and I, along with our four wonderful daughters, are committed to serving God by serving
this beautiful community that He has brought us to.
We have partnered with the school district through Life360 Community Services and Convoy of
Hope to combat food insecurity with various resources for the students and families in the area
for the last 5 years.
This will be my first year on the school board and I am excited for the opportunity to serve our
community on this new platform. May God provide us with wisdom as we strive to maximize
the time and resources afforded to us to ensure the administrative staff, teachers, and students
have the support needed for healthy growth.