Hannibal School District announces administrative appointments for 2025-26 school year

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal School District announced several administrative appointments for the upcoming school year in a news release Thursday morning.

Michele McCoy was named the district’s new director of curriculum and instruction. She previously served at Hannibal High School (HHS), first as dean of students then most recently as assistant principal. Blake Niemann was named as her replacement.

Niemann has worked at HHS for the past 15 years in a variety of roles, most recently as dean of students, and he holds a master’s degree in teaching. According to the release, Niemann is “known for his steady leadership and strong relationships with students and staff,” coaches middle school basketball and was named HHS Teacher of the Year in 2021.

Courtney Mann will replace Niemann as HHS dean of students, bringing 14 years of teaching experience, a master’s degree in elementary administration and a specialist degree in educational leadership to the role.

Kelsey Whitley has been chosen as the new assistant principal for Hannibal Middle School. She holds a master’s degree in administration and a specialist degree in applied behavior analysis. Whitley has worked for the district since 2012 and most recently served as the principal of Eugene Field Elementary, which graduated its final class in May following the district’s announcement in November that the school would close.

Heidi Hansen was named the new principal of A.D. Stowell Elementary. Hansen was a third-generation graduate of the school, and her children currently attend, “giving her a unique and deeply personal connection to the school community,” the release stated.

She brings a master’s degree in educational administration, a specialist degree in administration and superintendency and roughly a decade of teaching experience to the role.

Lastly, Richard Owsley was named the new dean of students at Hannibal Middle School. He brings a master’s degree in educational administration and more than 30 years of experience to the role. Owsley most recently served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Quincy Junior High School.

“Hannibal Public Schools is honored to welcome these new and familiar faces into their leadership roles,” the release stated. “Their dedication to students, staff and the community will help drive continued growth and success across the district.”