SJSD announces staff appointments
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District announced Board of Education-approved appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.
David Chaney will assume the role as Principal of the Webster Learning Center, replacing Leah Richardson, who will be the new Director of Student Services effective July 1.
Chaney brings 17 years of experience in education, including 11 years as a middle school science teachers and six years as an assistant principal.
Chaney has served the St. Joseph School District for 10 years, including seven years at Robidoux Middle School, two years as assistant principal at Webster Learning Center and one year as assistant principal at Central High School.
He also served as assistant principal in the Independence School District for three years before returning to St. Joseph.
"I am honored to serve as principal of Webster Learning Center and to contribute working alongside the dedicated staff and families who support our students," said Chaney. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed."
Chaney is currently pursuing his doctorate through William Woods University. He holds a specialist degree in School Superintendency and a Master's in K-12 Educational Leadership as well as a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education with concentrations in mathematics and science, all from Northwest Missouri State University.
Along with Chaney, Shantell Cross will be appointed to her new position as an Administrative Intern at Robidoux Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Cross brings 13 years of experience in education, all within the St. Joseph School District. She has taught sixth grade across multiple schools, and has served as an elementary instructional coach for the last four years.
Cross has been recognized for her career, including being named the 2014 Northwest Missouri State University Young Educator of the Year and the 2024 Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Math Instructional Coach of the Year.
She currently serves as the MCTM Regional Director for Northwest Missouri and as the organization's Government Relations Chair. In addition, she has also served as a new teacher mentor and completed specialized training through the Buck Institute, Kagan Cooperative and DMI.
"I am excited to join the team at Robidoux and continue serving our students, staff an families in a new role," said Cross. "I look forward to building strong relationships and supporting a positive, collaborative school environment where all students can thrive."
Cross earned her Specialist in K-12 Leadership from Northwest n 2025. She also holds a Master of Science in Teaching and Technology from William Woods and a Bachelor of Science in Education, along with a certification in K-12 Cross Categorical Disabilities from Missouri Western State University. She also holds certification in K-9 Mathematics.
