Allison Pope selected as new instructional leader for Webb City schools

The Webb City R-7 School Board’s search for a new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction ended Monday with the hiring of Allison Murphy-Pope.

Pope has been superintendent of the Hurley R-1 School District for the past seven years. She will succeed Brenten Byrd, who will move up to the superintendent position when Tony Rossetti retires on June 30.

The hiring process, including interviews, was conducted by a committee, which recommended Pope to the school board.

Pope earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Central Missouri, and her specialist degree and doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Her 27-year career began at large suburban high schools in the Kansas City area. Prior to being superintendent at Hurley, she was the principal of Aurora Junior High School for five years.

Pope has written the following letter to her new fellow staff members.

To the members of the Cardinals Team:

With immense pleasure, I join this dynamic team as the new Assistant Superintendent, and I eagerly anticipate embarking on a collaborative journey of growth with each one of you. Webb City is well known for its excellence and to become a part of the Cardinal tradition is a great honor and privilege.

In my 27-year adventure in public education, the initial 15 were devoted to navigating the hallways of large suburban high schools in the Kansas City area. My teaching and leadership escapades kicked off in the realm of business education, sculpting my knack for adaptability, crafting interdisciplinary lessons, and championing the cause of career pathways and education. Amid the whirlwind of my educational journey in Kansas City, the absolute highlight was undeniably meeting my other half, my husband.

As I delved into graduate classes and professional pursuits, our family story began to unfold. Juggling deployments with four lively kiddos presented challenges that led us to prioritize a return to the warm embrace of southwest Missouri.

Taking on the role of a building leader at Aurora Junior High broadened my understanding of brain development, learning needs, and the intricacies of middle school curriculum and emotions. Presently, I find myself concluding my seventh year as the superintendent in the Hurley School District, a small K-12 district. This role has been a myriad of experiences, with a special focus on the vertical alignment of curriculum from preschool through high school, particularly in literacy and numeracy. Engaging with our youngest learners has been a delightful journey, unveiling their unique learning styles and needs. I’m a firm believer in creating an environment of perpetual learners, holding to the timeless techniques of the past while seamlessly integrating them into our innovative present. At the heart of my leadership style are collaboration and open communication, and I’m genuinely excited to join forces with all of you to achieve our shared goals and to “…prepare today’s youth to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world.”

I would love to know the following:

What are your “sacred cows”?

What would you like to see changed or transformed?

What are some accomplishments you would like to share? I am looking forward to getting to know each of you personally and professionally. My door is always open, and I am here to support you in any way I can. Feel free to reach out any time.

Here’s to a fantastic journey together!

For the kids,

Dr. Allison Pope