District Update

Central Elementary 4th grader Ruby Mills has proven that big hearts come in small packages. Ruby recently raised an incredible $2,093 for the CSI – Central Snack Initiative Backpack Program by baking and selling homemade cookies in her community.

The CSI Backpack Program provides weekend food support for students in need throughout the Central School District. Thanks to Ruby’s efforts, more than eight students will now receive food every weekend during the school year—an impact that truly makes a difference.

Ruby’s generous heart and hard work are a shining example of how one person can inspire change. We are proud of her dedication and thankful for the continued support of our caring community. Many individuals and families have donated to the program, and their contributions help us keep children nourished and ready to learn.

If you’d like to join Ruby in supporting the CSI-Backpack Program, you can donate online at this link. Simply choose a building, select your donation amount, and pay securely by credit card. You can also mail or drop off donations at:

Central Administration Office
200 High Street
Park Hills, MO 63601
ATTN: Central Backpack Program

Thank you, Ruby, and thank you to all who continue to support our students!

Please join us in congratulating Allison Ward, a beloved kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary, on her nomination to run for the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year!

This incredible honor reflects Allison’s passion, dedication, and the lasting impact she has on her students, colleagues, and our entire school community.

We are so proud of her and wish her the best as she moves forward in this prestigious recognition process! 👏🍎🌟

Summer learning at Central School District was a fun and exciting experience for all! Students not only reinforced important skills from the school year but also enjoyed a variety of engaging activities like Reptile Day, Snow Cone Day, Popsicles with Cops, Wheels Day, Baking with Granny Barb, lessons on healthy eating, and a splash-filled Water Day at the Park Hills Reef. Thank you to our amazing parents, community members, staff, and students for making this summer school a huge success!

Congratulations to our wonderful school retirees! Your dedication, passion, and years of service have made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. We wish you all the best in this new and exciting chapter of life—thank you for everything!

The Administration Building and the High School Main office will be open during summer to help answer any of your questions. All other campus offices will be closed. There will be days that we are having our office cleaned so we may be relocated so please call us before you come so we can direct you to the right spot!

Both offices will be closed July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

High School Main Office - 573-431-2616 ext 4103

Administrative Office 573-431-2616 ext 5103

Our district website is a great place to look for updates and information that pertain to the district. Check out the following popular links!

All calendars are posted and kept up to date here, including the newest district calendar

https://centralr3.org/parent/calendars-menus

Current Job Openings

https://centralr3.org/employment-substitute/employment

Substitute Application and Checklist

https://centralr3.org/employment-substitute/substitute-application

Contact info for each Building

https://centralr3.org/our-school/contact-information

Community Store

https://mocloud1.infinitecampus.org/campus/store/centralr3/home

Help us welcome the following to the Central School District family! We’re excited to have them join us for the 2025-26 school year. Their talents, passion, and commitment to education will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. We look forward to working and growing together—here’s to a great year ahead!

Scottye Adkins - Technology and Data Assistant

Haley Stephens - Paraprofessional

David LaChance - Bus Mechanic

Josie Ketcherside - 2nd grade Teacher

Tia Smith - 3rd grade Teacher

Reese Shepard - Paraprofessional

Cloey Watson - Paraprofessional

Brooke Phares - Paraprofessional

Zoey Weekley - Paraprofessional

Emily Johnson - Paraprofessional

Dylan Brewer - Middle School and High School Math Teacher

Kristin Yew - Speech and Language Pathologist

Robyn Tiefenauer - Middle School ELA Teacher

Jessica Hulsey - 3rd grade Teacher

Tabitha Herman - 2nd grade Teacher

Ashley Counts - Parents as Teachers

Adrianne Hampton - 4th grade Teacher

Maci Woods - Special Education Teacher

Paige Huitt - 3rd grade Teacher

Kaley Kimball - Middle School Science Teacher

Meet Dr. Zech Payne - Superintendent, Central R-III Schools

Dr. Zech Payne has served as the District's Associate Superintendent during this last school year and is stepping into the role as Superintendent as of July 1st, 2025, upon the retirement of Dr. Ashley McMillian. Prior to working with Central R-III, Dr. Payne started as a 6-8th grade History Teacher with the Nell-Holcomb School District in Cape Girardeau before becoming a K-12 Assistant Principal with the Campbell School District in Southeast Missouri. After working at Campbell, Dr. Payne was hired as an Elementary Assistant Principal with the Cape Girardeau School District then became a Secondary Principal with Cape for a total of 7 years. When asked about Central R-III, Dr. Payne stated "I am extremely excited to be a part of such a great school district that strives to do what is best for students at all times. The level of support from our community, families, faculty, and Board of Education here at Central are second to none and I am honored to serve as the new Superintendent. There is not a better district to work with, and more so not a better district to educate my own children. I look forward to a long career with Central R-III and making lasting connections with all those involved in and surrounding this great School District."

Meet Mrs. Lori England – Assistant Superintendent, Central R-III Schools
Mrs. Lori England brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role as Assistant Superintendent for Central R-III Schools. For the past seven years, she has served the district as the Director of Curriculum, Assessment, Professional Development, and Safety. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Principal at Central Middle School, where she also previously taught middle school science. Mrs. England’s leadership journey began at Sunrise R-IX School District in DeSoto, MO, where she served as Assistant Superintendent/Principal. She is excited to continue serving the Central R-III community and is proud to be part of a team committed to student success. "I’m honored to continue serving the Central R-III community. Our students deserve the very best, and I’m excited to work alongside an incredible team to support their growth, safety, and success every step of the way." — Mrs. Lori England, Assistant Superintendent

Show your Rebel pride! Local business owners can now request a "We Support Red, White, and Blue" door sign to display your community spirit. By joining in, you agree to let your employees wear red, white, and blue—or any Rebel gear—every Friday to cheer on our Rebels! As a thank you, participating businesses will be surprised with a special Rebel treat and recognition. Let’s flood our town with school spirit and show everyone what it means to support Central R-3!

If your business would like a spirit sign, please email lengland@centralr3.org.