McDowell named NEN principal

Jason McDowell will be Northeast Nodaway’s head principal for the 2017-18 school year.

He will follow current Principal Ken Grove who was hired to become the superintendent.

McDowell earned his bachelor’s and his master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University and is currently working on his specialist’s degree also through Northwest.

He started his education career teaching at Maryville Middle School where he taught sixth grade science for three years. From there he assumed the roll of assistant director of the ACES Alternative School for four years then returned to Maryville Middle School and taught exploratory science for five years.

This past year, McDowell has been the assistant principal for Northeast Nodaway.

“I’m really looking forward to transitioning from assistant to principal next school year. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities to affect student learning that this new position will bring,” McDowell said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know the students and staff during my first year in the district. I look forward to building on that.”

McDowell and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Maryville with their two sons, Bentley and Logan.

“We are very pleased to have Mr. McDowell join us in an increased role next year.” Northeast Nodaway Superintendent Jeff Mehlenbacher said. “Mr. McDowell has focused on improving the school life of all our students and has demonstrated his commitment to our students and district since joining our staff this year.”