Please join us in welcoming Nicole Spruell, our 24-25 Director of Communications, Digital Learning, and Chief Grant Writer.

Ms. Nicole Spruell has worked at Mehlville School District for the past 15 years. She worked as the 6-8 health teacher and K-8 physical education and health teacher at Home Academy. She received her Specialist in Administration from Southwest Baptist University.

Please join us in welcoming Matt Buechting, our 24-25 High School Assistant Principal.

Mr. Matt Buechting has been with the De Soto #73 School District for the past 14 years and has been in education for 18 years. Mr. Buechting has taught physical education, health, strength training, and hunter education in junior high and high school. He has also served as the varsity baseball coach for the last 10 seasons. He received his Master's degree from William Woods University.

Please join us in welcoming Zeb Hammond, our 24-25 Junior High Principal.

Mr. Zeb Hammond has served at De Soto #73 School District for the last 16 years. He started his career working for the De Soto Alternative Program, and for the last 2 years he has served as the junior high assistant principal.

Mr. Hammond holds a Masters in Administration from Missouri Baptist University. He is a passionate educator who takes pride in serving De Soto Jr. High as the upcoming principal. He would like to continue to help improve student achievement, enhance school culture, and foster a strong sense of community. His ultimate goal is to help share students’ lives and have a positive impact on their education so they can become lifelong learners and successful citizens.

Please join us in welcoming Shawn Brown, our 24-25 Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.

Mr. Brown brings five years of experience as an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Hannibal School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Southeast Missouri State. Additionally, he holds a master's in educational leadership from Lindenwood University and a specialist degree from Missouri Baptist University.

During Mr. Brown's teaching career, he taught high school English and coached multiple sports. He has been a facilitator for DESE’s Outdoor Leadership Experience since 2015. He transitioned into building leadership as an assistant principal and then as a building principal at the high school level before his most recent role.

Please join us in welcoming Joshua Phipps, our 24-25 Assistant Superintendent of School Operations. 

Mr. Joshua Phipps has served as De Soto #73 School District Junior High Principal for the last 5 years. He received his bachelor's degree from Webster University. Additionally, he holds a master’s in educational administration and his educational specialist degree in superintendency from Missouri Baptist University.

Before serving as the principal, he served as the junior high assistant principal. During Mr. Phipps's teaching career, he taught in our district alternative school and worked as an elementary teacher for the St. Louis Public Schools.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Ron Farrow, our 24-25 Superintendent of Schools.

After an interview with a student, community, and staff panel, the De Soto #73 School Board unanimously voted to hire Mr. Ron Farrow as the district's new superintendent, starting July 1, 2024.