The West Plains R-VII School District is pleased to announce Michael Davis has been named Assistant Principal at West Plains High School for the 2026–2027 school year.
Davis will join a strong administrative team led by Principal Ryan Smith, alongside Assistant Principal Colton Hensley. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from William Woods University.
He has been a dedicated member of the district since 2018, serving in a variety of roles including maintenance and custodial staff, paraprofessional in the SWAT program, teacher, and administrator. He began his teaching career in 2020 as a Special Education teacher at Zizzer Pride Academy (ZPA) before transitioning to 5th grade science and social studies. Most recently, he has served as Coordinator of At-Risk Services and Director of ZPA.
“We are proud to announce Mr. Davis as the new Assistant Principal at West Plains High School,” says Mr. Matthew Orchard, Director of Human Resources and Student Services. “Mr. Davis is a proven leader whose roots in this district run deep. He first walked the halls as a student and proud graduate, and has now spent his entire professional career giving back to this community and school district. From his dedicated years in the classroom as a paraprofessional and teacher to his impactful work as Coordinator of At Risk Services and ZPA Director, his service and understanding of our district and building culture made him a great choice.”
In addition to his work in the classroom, Davis has coached middle school football and tennis, further demonstrating his commitment to student growth both inside and outside of the classroom. His diverse experiences across the district have helped shape a well-rounded approach to education and leadership.
Davis will begin his new role on July 1, 2026
