Administration

Dr. Kent Sappington

Principal 

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Evangel University

• Named Executive Director of Secondary Learning of Ozark School District in 2026
• Named Executive Director of Elementary Learning of Ozark School District in 2019
• Served as Principal of East Elementary 2007 - 2019
• The Executive Director of Secondary Learning oversees secondary (junior school and high school) principals, and instructional coaches

Phone: 417-582-5953
Email: ​​​​​kentsappington@ozarktigers.org

Justin Peery

Director, Finley River School

Master’s in Secondary Education Administration - William Woods University

• Named Director of Finley River School in 2024
• Started teaching English at FRS in 2019
• Has 20+ years experience teaching, joining Ozark School District in 2013

Phone: 471-582-5920
Email: justinpeery@ozarktigers.org

Dr. Erin McAninch

Assistant Principal, Ozark High School

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Evangel University 

• Named Ozark High School Assistant Principal in 2020
• Mathematics teacher and coach before going into administration

Phone: 417-582-5901
Email: erinmcaninch@ozarktigers.org

Fernando Sustaita

Assistant Principal, Ozark High School

Educational Specialist Degree - Missouri State University

• Named Ozark High School Assistant Principal in 2026
• History teacher and coach before getting into administration

Phone: 417-582-5901
Email: fernandosustaita@ozarktigers.org

Nicole Watkins

Assistant Principal, Ozark High School

Educational Specialist Degree - Southwest Baptist University

• Served as Assistant Principal at Ozark Middle School before moving to Ozark High School as Assistant Principal in 2020
• English teacher, social studies teacher and librarian before going into administration

Phone: 417-582-5901
Email: nicolewatkins@ozarktigers.org

Dr. Nathaniel Gillespie

Assistant Principal, Ozark High School 

Doctorate in School Administration - Lindenwood University

• Named Ozark High School Assistant Principal in 2019
• Spanish and English teacher as well as coordinator of site interventions in Springfield before going into administration

Phone: 417-582-5901
Email: nathanielgillespie@ozarktigers.org

Dr. Ashley Bough

Athletic/Activities Director, Ozark High School

Doctorate of Educational Leadership - Southwest Baptist University

• Named Ozark High School Athletic/Activity Director in 2026
• Coached volleyball and P.E. before becoming AD

Phone: 417-582-5706
Email: ashleybough@ozarktigers.org

Trent Floyd

Dean of Students, Ozark High School

Education Specialist Degree - Northwest Missouri State University

• Named Ozark High School Dean of Students in 2026
• Was an Academy Explorations teacher, History teacher and football coach before going into adminstration. 

Phone: 417-582-5901 ext. 5702
Email: trentfloyd@ozarktigers.org