By MATT PIKE
The St. Joseph School District has appointed two new administrators for the 2026-27 school year, recently approved by the Board of Education, naming David Chaney the new Principal of the Webster Learning Center and Shantell Cross as an Administrative Intern at Robidoux Elementary School
Chaney becomes the new Principal at the Webster Learning Center for the replacing Leah Richardson who will be the new Director of Student Services effective July 1st, 2026.
Chaney brings 17 years of experience in education, including 11 years as a middle school science teacher and six years as an assistant principal. He has served the St. Joseph School District for 10 years, including seven years at Robidoux Middle School, two years as assistant principal at Webster Learning Center, and one year as assistant principal at Central High School.
He also served as an assistant principal in the Independence School District for three years before returning to St. Joseph. Chaney is currently pursuing his doctorate through William Woods University. He holds a Specialist degree in School Superintendency and a Master’s degree in K–12 Educational Leadership, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education with concentrations in mathematics and science, all from Northwest Missouri State University.
“I am honored to serve as principal of Webster Learning Center and to continue working alongside the dedicated staff and families who support our students,” said Chaney in a news release from the district. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Cross has been approved by the Board of Education as an Administrative Intern at Robidoux Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year, effective July 1st, 2026.
Cross brings 13 years of experience in education, all within the St. Joseph School District. She has taught sixth grade across multiple schools and, for the past four years, has served as an elementary instructional coach, supporting teachers and leading efforts to strengthen instructional practices.
Throughout her career, Cross has been recognized for her excellence and leadership, including being named the 2014 Northwest Missouri State University Young Educator of the Year and the 2024 Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Math Instructional Coach of the Year. She currently serves as the MCTM Regional Director for Northwest Missouri and as the organization’s Government Relations Chair. In addition, she has served as a new teacher mentor and completed specialized training through the Buck Institute, Kagan Cooperative Learning, and DMI.
Cross earned her Specialist in K–12 Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University in 2025. She also holds a Master of Science in Teaching and Technology from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, along with certification in K–12 Cross Categorical Disabilities, from Missouri Western State University. In addition, she holds certification in K–9 Mathematics.
“I am excited to join the team at Robidoux and continue serving our students, staff, and families in a new role,” Cross says. “I look forward to building strong relationships and supporting a positive, collaborative school environment where all students can thrive.”
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