Laura Bruckerhoff has been named the new principal of Washington Middle School, effective July 1, 2019.
Bruckerhoff will replace Ron Millheiser, who is retiring following the 2018-19 school year. Millheiser has been WMS Principal for five years and was Co-Principal for seven years before that.
Bruckerhoff currently is in her fifth year as Associate Principal at the middle school.
A letter written by Bruckerhoff introducing herself as the new WMS Principal was sent to parents of current sixth- and seventh-grade students in the district on Thursday, Nov. 29, one day after her new position was approved by the Board of Education.
“As the current Associate Principal, I am familiar with our school and the direction we would like to see it go,” Bruckerhoff said. “I am honored to have this opportunity, as we work to maintain and continuously improve the high standard of education for our students.
“Along with the teachers and staff, I will work hard to improve the high level of success that has already been established here. My desire is to build strong relationships with parents, students and community partners. We will continue to focus on positive behavior supports, college and career pathway exploration, employable skills that prepare our students for the real world, and increased achievement at all levels.”
Bruckerhoff will complete her Educational Specialist Degree in May of 2019. She earned her Master’s Degree from Southwest Baptist University, her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College and her Associate Degree from East Central College.
Bruckerhoff began her education career as a fifth-grade teacher in the Lonedell School District, where she spent five years. She then joined the School District of Washington, working nine years as a science teacher at Washington Middle School. She then began her career as an administrator, spending one year as assistant principal at South Point Elementary and six years as principal at Marthasville Elementary before returning to the middle school to become associate principal, a title she’s held for five years. She's been in education for 26 years, 21 years with the School District of Washington.
“Laura has been a valued employee of the District for quite a long time. She understands the vision of the District and has been involved in much of the work associated with the development of our new strategic plan. This knowledge of the District, her years of leadership experience, along with her desire to continuously improve elevated her to the top of the candidate list,” said School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer. “Laura is good with people, and that’s important. She understands how important it is to have strong student and staff relationships. I believe the middle school is in good hands and I thank the interview team for their professional approach and selection process. I look forward to working closely with Laura as she transitions from associate principal to principal next school year.”
Laura and her husband, Tim, have three children; Alissa (20 years old and a Washington High School graduate), Jason (17 years old and currently a senior at WHS), and Emily (13 years old and currently an eighth-grader at WMS).
Laura Bruckerhoff