Our Principals
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
April Adams
Director of Career and Technical Education
April Adams is a dedicated educational leader with 32 years of service in education, including a distinguished career as a high school principal with Liberty Public Schools before retiring from that role. She now serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), where she is committed to expanding opportunities and preparing students for future success. Passionate about learning, service, and developing the next generation of leaders, April believes in leading with kindness, integrity, and purpose. She is deeply dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others and creating environments where students and educators can thrive. Beyond her professional accomplishments, April treasures time with her family and her beloved fur babies, who bring joy and balance to her life.
Dr. Jimmie Bullard
African-Centered College Preparatory Academy, Principal
Dr. Jimmie Bullard is the proud Principal of African-Centered College Preparatory Academy, a Kansas City Public Schools Signature School serving students in Pre-K through 8th grade. AC Prep utilizes an African-Centered approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes academic excellence, cultural identity, leadership, and community responsibility.
For Dr. Bullard, leading AC Prep is a true full-circle moment. She began her educational career in 1996 at J.S. Chick African Centered Shule and is honored to continue advancing the legacy of African-Centered education in Kansas City.
With more than 28 years of experience in urban education, Dr. Bullard has served as an elementary teacher, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) consultant, instructional coach, college professor, and school leader. Prior to joining AC Prep, she served as principal of Longfellow Elementary and Benjamin Banneker Elementary. For two years, she successfully led both schools simultaneously as Executive Principal, an experience she considers one of the most rewarding of her career.
A proud graduate of Kansas City Public Schools, Dr. Bullard earned degrees from Lincoln University, William Woods University, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she received her Doctorate in Urban Leadership and Administration.
Known for her commitment to equity, student achievement, and community engagement, Dr. Bullard is passionate about creating learning environments where students feel valued, empowered, and inspired to excel. She is dedicated to developing culturally grounded leaders while preserving and strengthening the legacy of African-Centered education.
Outside of school, Dr. Bullard enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter. She loves poetry, reading, writing children's literature, and studying culturally relevant pedagogy. She is married, the proud mother of two amazing children, and a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Dr. Tamara Burns
Hogan Preparatory Academy, Interim High School Principal
Dr. Tamara Burns is the Regional Director at Hogan Preparatory Academy and currently serving as the Interim High School Principal. She has 27 years experience in education and has worked in public, private, and the charter school sectors. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 1998 at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri). She has a Master’s Degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Secondary English. She earned her Educational Leadership and Management doctorate degree in 2013 from Capella University. Her dissertation topic involved 21st century educational reform. Dr. Burns earned this degree with distinction by maintaining a 4.0 GPA in all her doctorate coursework. She has served in a variety of capacities as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Superintendent, and Regional Director.
In addition to her professional achievements, her greatest accomplishment is her family. She is the wife to Frederic G. Burns and they have two beautiful daughters, Brioenne (26) and Bailey (20). As a parent, she always wants what is best for her children and works tirelessly to ensure all children have the best possible educational experiences at Hogan Preparatory Academy. Her favorite education quote is, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglas.
Kelsey Davis
Pitcher Elementary, Principal
Kelsey Davis began her journey at Pitcher Elementary as a classroom teacher, an experience that grounded her in the culture, traditions, and vision that make the school exceptional. Over the last three years, she served as Assistant Principal, earning recognition as Kansas City Regions Assistant Principal of the Year, and is now stepping into the proud Principal role at Pitcher Elementary.
Her work at Pitcher has provided extensive knowledge of their team-based model where they utilize multiple educators to support student success. She believes deeply in the power of shared expertise and a collaborative culture, and she am committed to strengthening those practices.
She earned Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Missouri, a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy from Park University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
She is married with three beautiful children who keep her busy. She enjoys watching her son play sports and spending quality time with her children. She enjoys puzzles, DIY crafts, and playing board and card games. As Principal, she is excited to create a welcoming, supported environment for staff and families and where all students can reach their highest potential.
Michelle Dickerson
King Elementary, Principal
Michelle Dickerson is the Principal of M L King, Jr. Elementary. After years as a mentor and lead teacher, instructional coach, vice principal and adjunct professor, she brings instructional leadership to M L King Jr. She is a proud product of Kansas City Public Schools and has served in various roles for 30 years.
Dickerson earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Avila University and in TESOL (Teacher English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Webster University. She completed her Administration Certification through Northwest Missouri State Turnaround School Leadership Program, later earning her Education Specialist Degree in Urban Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Marlon Edwards
Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Principal
Marlon Edwards has been the Principal at Phillis Wheatley for the past three years and, before that, worked as a Vice Principal, classroom teacher and instructional coach. He attended Missouri Western University where he received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Webster University and an Education Specialist Degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Mr. Edwards was born and raised in Kansas City and graduated from the Kansas City Public School District. He has a passion for academics and doing what’s best for the students he serves. He has incorporated the theme Be You! Be Great! throughout his school community. Be the best version of yourself and be great while doing it.
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, cleaning his car, watching tv or movies and shopping.
Alisha Glover
Northeast High School, Principal
Principal Glover brings over a decade of experience in education as a teacher, Interventionist, College & Career Director, Instructional Coach and Vice Principal.
In her various roles, Principal Glover has increased teacher retention, successfully designed and implemented professional development, and leveraged data to ensure student success.
Glover believes in fostering a high-performance environment through positive climate and culture, student voice, and parent involvement.
Dr. LeJuan Johnson
Success Academy at Anderson, Principal
Dr. LeJuan P. Johnson is the Principal of Success Academy at Anderson where she previously served as the Associate Principal for the past four years and the Out of school (AOSS) Coordinator for three years. Being a change agent and serving in the education field for over 20 years, teaching is her mission through educating students, staff and stakeholders in an untraditional manner.
Dr. Johnson has devoted her skills and talents to serving the community in St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. As the wife of Dr. Michael B. Johnson, she is the mother of five males and is raising seventeen children (extended family members). She is an educator, instructor, Case Manager and Board member of Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH). In addition, she is the Founder and CEO of her own non-profit organization, A New Beginnings, CDC, which began 20 years ago.
Her educational pursuits began at Forest Park Community College. Returning to school during a challenging time in her life was the start of a new beginning. With her faith in God, loving family and community support, she remains a domestic violence survivor while sharing knowledge of education, God and experiences with those who would receive it.
Her education includes a dual associate degree, Proficiency in Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Masters in Secondary Education, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. in Education Leadership in Educational Administration and a Doctor of Ministry. Her licenses include Superintendent, Principal K-12, Business Educator 9th-12th, Director of Facilities (one hundred or more children) and Foster Parent. She is a strategic leader that translates educational strategies into practical hands-on procedures.
Opportunity does not knock; it silently goes by looking like an unfair exchange. She will not allow the door of opportunity to pass by without teaching how to seize it and create something experiential. Not making a difference but BEING the difference is what life is all about.
Dr. Phillena Layne
Whittier Elementary School, Principal
Dr. Phillena Layne is a Kansas City native, Kansas City Public Schools graduate, and accomplished educational leader. She holds degrees from Alabama A&M University, Rockhurst University, and Northwest Missouri State University, and she recently completed her Doctorate in School Administration at Saint Louis University. A Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar and founding KC Leading Educators Cohort member, Dr. Layne has served in multiple instructional and leadership roles throughout her career. She is in her seventh year at Whittier Elementary, where she now serves as Principal. She is also a proud mom to a high school freshman, a foodie, and a traveler at heart.
Dr. Andrew Murphy
George Washington Carver School, Principal
Andrew Murphy brings a passion for student learning and multiculturalism to Carver. He started teaching at Carver Dual Language in 2014 and hasn’t been able to leave since. He has served as an English as a Second Language Teacher, Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach, Vice Principal, and has been serving as Principal since 2022. He attended Graceland University for his undergraduate studies in Elementary Education. He developed his leadership skills through graduate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Educational Leadership from Park University and Northwest Missouri State University. He earned his Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2026.
Murphy has a passion for multicultural education and has served as an educational consultant for HealthEd Connect, which supports three school systems in Zambia, and currently serves on the board of directors. He also serves on the board of Kansas City Public School Retirement System.
He loves traveling to visit friends and family around the world. He also enjoys playing cards, pickleball, tennis, piano and reading in his free time. As a principal, he hopes to create a climate and culture where all staff members are valued and all students are achieving to their fullest potential.
Lakeisha Paul
George Melcher Elementary School, Principal
Lakeisha Paul is the proud principal at George Melcher Elementary School, which serves over 300 students in grades kindergarten through sixth. She is a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience and strives to lead by example and cultivate a school culture centered around family and strong interpersonal relationships. Prior to working in Kansas City Public Schools, she worked in Savannah Chatham County Public Schools. In 2018, she answered the call of leadership and has served the students, families and communities of Melcher Elementary School for the past five years. Mrs. Paul knew that she would be an educator from a very young age.
Lakeisha is married to Mr. Donnie Paul, Sr and the proud mother of two boys, Freddie III and Devon.
Dr. Angela Sharp
Faxon Elementary School, Principal
Dr. Angela Sharp is an education veteran with over 24 years of experience. In that time, she has been a middle school math and science teacher, middle school math Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal and Principal. She also coordinated an After School Program and was selected on two occasions to coordinate district-wide summer enrichment programs. She has been to the Learning Sciences Training on two occasions which allowed her to plan and facilitate multiple district level professional developments on standards development and teacher evaluation. She also completed the School Leadership Lab focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Dr. Sharp has been nominated twice for the Crystal Apple award and was the winner of the 5-Star Service Award.
Leah Starr
Trailwoods Elementary, Principal
Principal Leah Starr has been proudly passionate about student learning since she began her teaching career in 2002. Her love for student growth and development has grown from her 24 years of service in education for Kansas City Public Schools. She earned her undergrad degree in Early Childhood Education from Park University, a MA in Multidisciplinary Education from Webster University, and her Ed Specialist Degree from University of Missouri. She has held several roles in the district including Teacher, Early Reading First Coach, Instructional Coach, Vice Principal, and Principal.
She is married with three wonderful children. Principal Starr believes given opportunity and guidance, all students can use their leadership skills and talents to do great for our community and the world.
Jaqueline Tanner
Primitivo Garcia Elementary, Principal
Jaqueline Tanner has served as the Principal of Primitivo Garcia Elementary since the 2020. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. Tanner is a dedicated educator, wife, and proud mother of a son and daughter.
Mrs. Tanner earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). While pursuing her Master’s degree in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), she began her teaching career at Gladstone Elementary School, where she taught third and sixth grades.
In 2017, Mrs. Tanner was selected for the KC Plus Program, a highly regarded principal certification and master’s degree program designed to develop transformational leaders in education. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Prior to becoming principal, Mrs. Tanner served Primitivo Garcia Elementary in a variety of leadership roles, including KC Plus Resident and Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Tanner is passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities for all students through high-quality instruction, social-emotional learning, and meaningful community partnerships. She is honored to serve the students, families, and staff of Primitivo Garcia Elementary and the Westside community. Her vision is for the school to be a pillar of excellence, support, and opportunity for generations to come.
Dr. Bryan Vanosdale
East High School, Principal
Principal Vanosdale is in his 20th year in education. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education-Social Sciences and Business Administration, Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Counseling, Master of Arts in Gender and Racial Studies, and an Education Specialist in Educational Administration and Leadership. He is from East Tennessee and has lived in Kansas City for 15 years. He is in his sixth year in KCPS, with four years spent at Whittier Elementary. Prior to coming to KCPS, he was a social studies teacher in the secondary school at Derrick Thomas Academy. He is starting his second year at East, and he takes great pride in our global diversity at East High School.
Dr. Allenda Wilson
Northeast Middle School, Principal
Dr. Allenda Wilson has served in KCPS for 25 years, previously as an ELA teacher, Instructional Coach, Vice Principal and is currently Principal of Northeast Middle School. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Master’s in Administration from Jones University International and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trident University International.
Wilson is the mother of one daughter, and Nana to two adopted grandsons, Noah and Jeremiah. She loves writing, singing, traveling, owns her own jewelry and arts business and is an avid movie watcher.