August 8, 2025 – Mexico Public Schools is excited to welcome 27 new teachers to our Bulldog family this school year! With 232 teachers across the district, that means more than 88% of our teachers are returning, a number that’s right in line with the statewide average.

Our new teachers kicked off the year with five days of professional learning, covering everything from lesson planning and classroom management to special education, school communications, and trauma-informed practices. The week was led by our talented instructional coaches: Carey Knipfel, Lara Brunk, and Wendy Lentz — who helped our new staff get off to a strong start.

Teachers toured our schools by bus with Superintendent Troy Lentz and Assistant Superintendent Julie Lower-Welch, stopping at each building for a little friendly competition. They also explored downtown Mexico on a small-business scavenger hunt that ended at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meet & Greet, where they connected with district leaders.

We’re grateful to our local businesses and organizations who sponsored breakfasts and lunches during the week. Your support makes our new staff feel right at home!

All MPS staff return on Wednesday, August 13, and the first day of school is Wednesday, August 20. 

District parents should check email for updates and download the Infinite Campus and ParentSquare apps to stay connected. Follow the district and school’s Facebook pages for news and reminders throughout the year.

Here’s to a great year, Bulldogs!

 

McMillan New Teachers: 

• Angela Dishman
• McCailyn Drainer
• Delaney Chrisman
• Kristen Meldrem

Eugene Field New Teachers: 

• Mary Billington
• Jessica Koenig
• Madison Raynor
• Alexis Smythe
• Andrea Altiser
• Mitchell Henderson
• Heather Workes
• Ana Garcia

Hawthorne New Teachers:

• Alyson Mosley
• Justine Jorgensen
• Kristin Walch
• Ciarra Soliz-Hoard
• Kaitlin Ingrum

Mexico Middle School New Teachers: 

• Caitlynn Davidson
• Kenyatta Michel
• Joseph Pike
• Joshua Klusmeyer

Mexico High School & Hart Career Center New Teachers:

• Katie Hanson
• Abby Biggers
• Virginia DeVenney
• Matthew Kimbel
• Amber Klusmeyer
• Eva Eikel
• David Witherspoon
• Amy Easley