HANNIBAL, MO — Hannibal Public Schools is proud to announce several administrative appointments for the 2025–2026 school year. Each of these leaders brings strong experience, a student-focused mindset, and a commitment to academic excellence in their new roles.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction – Michele McCoy
The Hannibal Board of Education has named Michele McCoy as the next Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Hannibal Public Schools. Mrs. McCoy has served as Assistant Principal at Hannibal High School for the past two years, following four years as Dean of Students. She brings over a decade of classroom experience in Missouri and a track record of student-centered leadership.
In her new role, Mrs. McCoy will oversee curriculum alignment and instructional practices across all grade levels, working closely with staff to support academic growth and high-quality learning experiences district-wide. Mrs. McCoy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Secondary Education from the College of the Ozarks, a Master’s Degree in Education from Lindenwood University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Arkansas State University.
Principal, A.D. Stowell Elementary – Heidi Hansen
Heidi Hansen has been named Principal of A.D. Stowell Elementary. A third-generation graduate of the school, Mrs. Hansen brings a deep personal connection to the community and a clear vision for student success.
Mrs. Hansen earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Hannibal-LaGrange University. She also holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration/Superintendency from William Woods University.
She has served as the Title I Reading Interventionist at Stowell since 2023. Prior to that, she taught fifth grade for nine years in both Hannibal and Ralls County R-II. She has also assisted in leading the Elementary Summer School Program as an Admin Intern for the past five years..
Assistant Principal, Hannibal High School – Blake Niemann
Blake Niemann has been appointed Assistant Principal at Hannibal High School. Mr. Niemann has served HHS since 2010 in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, most recently as Dean of Students. Known for his steady leadership and strong relationships with students and staff, he is dedicated to continuous school improvement.
Mr. Niemann holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Truman State University. He is currently pursuing his Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
In addition to his school leadership, he coaches middle school basketball and remains actively involved in the school community. He was named HHS Teacher of the Year in 2021 and was recognized as one of the Quincy Herald-Whig’s “20 Under 40” in 2023.
Dean of Students, Hannibal High School – Courtney Mann
Courtney Mann will serve as the new Dean of Students at Hannibal High School. Since beginning her teaching career in 2011, Mrs. Mann has worked in several area districts, including Hannibal, Bucklin R-II, and Marion County R-II.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri, a Master of Education in Elementary Administration, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, both from William Woods University.
Mrs. Mann is passionate about maintaining a positive school atmosphere with high expectations for learning and growth. She believes in collaborative leadership and fostering a shared vision among faculty and staff.
Assistant Principal, Hannibal Middle School – Kelsey Whitley
Kelsey Whitley has been named Assistant Principal at Hannibal Middle School. Ms. Whitley has served Hannibal Public Schools since 2012, holding roles as a special education teacher, third-grade teacher, and most recently, Principal of Eugene Field Elementary School.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Missouri, a Master’s Degree in Administration from William Woods University, and an Educational Specialist in Applied Behavior Analysis from Lindenwood University.
Ms. Whitley is passionate about empowering families and ensuring students are supported through every step of their educational journey.
Dean of Students, Hannibal Middle School – Richard Owsley
With over 30 years of experience in education, Richard Owsley will serve as Dean of Students at Hannibal Middle School. He most recently served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Quincy Junior High School.
Mr. Owsley earned his Associate of Arts in Education from John Wood Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Quincy University, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Western Illinois University.
He is committed to helping students achieve both academic and social-emotional success while also supporting and inspiring staff and families in the process.
Hannibal Public Schools is honored to welcome these new and familiar faces into their leadership roles. Their dedication to students, staff, and the community will help drive continued growth and success across the district.
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Media Inquiries:
Andrea Campbell
Communications
573-221-1258,
acampbell@hannibal60.com
