Superintendent

Dr. Ashly McGinnis has worked for the St. Joseph School District since 2007 and began as Superintendent during the 25-26 school year. Throughout her career in the district, she has served in several leadership roles including Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, Principal of Lafayette High School, and Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Truman Middle School. She began her career in the district as a teacher at Truman Middle School and Coleman Elementary School. In 2021, Dr. McGinnis was recognized as the Northwest Region Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals Exemplary New Principal of the Year.

Dr. McGinnis earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Emporia State University. She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.

She is passionate about ensuring students have meaningful and relevant learning opportunities that connect them to real-world experiences and their community. Dr. McGinnis actively serves the community through her involvement on several boards, including the United Way Board of Greater St. Joseph Board of Directors, the Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Missouri Western State University’s Teacher Education Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the St. Joseph Host Lions Club.