Superintendent to Recommend KHS Principal

Kirkwood School District Superintendent Tom Williams will recommend Michael Havener for the position of principal of Kirkwood High School to the Kirkwood Board of Education on Feb. 22.

Havener, who currently serves as the district's assistant superintendent for finance and operations, will succeed Dr. Dave Holley, who retires from the Kirkwood School District in June. If the appointment is approved by the board, Havener's position will become effective July 1.

Havener began his educational career in 1994 as a business education teacher at Kirkwood High School and later served as KHS assistant principal from 1999 to 2007 before he was appointed assistant superintendent, according to a letter sent by Williams to KHS families earlier this week.

While at KHS, Havener also served as a baseball coach for five years and assistant head football coach for 10 years. His key responsibilities at the high school included grade level principal,  the high school budget, and buildings and grounds, Williams says, adding that Havener anticipates receiving his doctorate in educational administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in May.

Havener hold's a master's in educational administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an education specialist degree from Webster University in 2005.

Havener is state certified and licensed  as a superintendent, a principal in secondary administration and a secondary business education teacher.

Professional affiliations include the Association of School Business Officials, the Missouri Association of School Business Officials, the National and the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

"The selection of Mike Havener was a collaborative process that involved students, parents, staff and administrators," Williams says. "We interviewed several outstanding candidates for this position. Based upon the profile qualifications and Mr. Havener's administrative experiences at the high school and district levels, the committee agreed that he will be an exceptional leader for KHS and one who will continue the tradition of excellence established by retiring principal Dr. David Holley and the KHS staff."