Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

McMullen selected as principal of new middle school

Jim McMullen, director of student services in the Olathe School District, has been selected as the first principal of Mission Trail Middle School.

Mission Trail, which will be the first Olathe school to open as a middle school when it opens in August, is at 1001 N. Persimmon Dr. The district’s eight junior highs will become middle schools next fall as part of the district’s grade reconfiguration.

Larry Katzif, principal of California Trail Junior High School, will replace McMullen as director of student services.

McMullen has been director of student services for two years. Prior to that, he was principal at Frontier Trail Junior High School for three years and an associate principal at Shawnee Mission North High School for four years.

“I am excited about the opportunity to both open a new school and return to the role of building principal,” McMullen said in a release. “The upcoming year will be exciting with the 6-8 middle school configuration, and I look forward to supporting our students, parents, and staff while making this a smooth transition for everyone.”

McMullen has a doctorate in educational leadership from Baker University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Rockhurst University.

Katzif has been principal at California Trail for 10 years and was assistant principal at the school for three years. Before that, he was a school counselor in the district at several elementary schools. He also worked as a special education teacher and counselor in the North Kansas City School District.

“I’m very excited for this new opportunity to serve the Olathe School District,” Katzif said in a release. “I want to thank the California Trail community, students, parents and my wonderful staff. This has been my ‘home’ here for almost 14 years and it’s been an honor serving as a building administrator here.”

Katzif has a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a master’s degree in special education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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