Posted on 05/17/2019
The Francis Howell School District has announced that Dr. Kirsteen James has been selected as the interim principal at Francis Howell Middle School, effective July 1, 2019. Dr. James has served as an assistant principal at FHMS for the past eight years. She will succeed the current principal Dr. Ted Huff, who is retiring at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
Dr. James is a great example of the well-rounded students produced by FHSD, attending District schools from elementary through high school. “As a Viking alum (and while raising three Vikings of my own), there is no place I’d rather be than serving and working alongside this incredible community of students, staff, and families,” Said Dr. James. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of academic excellence and high expectations while expanding on a positive school culture that promotes social-emotional well-being, empathy, and a love for learning.”
Dr. James taught fourth and fifth grades at Independence Elementary from 2002-06 and then moved to the secondary level for the 2006-07 school year at Hollenbeck Middle School. She has served as an assistant principal at both Daniel Boone Elementary and FHMS. Dr. James has involved the whole FHMS community in setting school improvement goals, led the Parent Involvement Team, and facilitated student recognition and assemblies, always putting students first. She has a clear and consistent vision that promotes success in every aspect of education at FHMS. In 2017, she was named the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Middle School Principal of the Year.
Dr. James earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Missouri State University, a master’s in educational administration from Lindenwood University and her doctorate in educational administration from Missouri Baptist University. Her certifications include a career professional certificate for K-8 principal and an advanced certification in character education from the University of Missouri Center for Character and Citizenship.