BRANSON, MO (February 21, 2025) – Branson Public Schools is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Jack Harris has been named the new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Harris replaces Nate Moore, who will move into the role of Superintendent beginning July 1, 2025. Harris currently serves as Principal of Branson High School and has been with the district since 2006 with roles including seventh grade history teacher, junior high football and track coach, and assistant principal of Branson Junior High. In 2016, he became principal of Branson High School.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve as Principal at Branson High School, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to support the entire district in a new capacity,” shared Harris. “As Assistant Superintendent, I am committed to fostering educational excellence and ensuring that all of our schools continue to grow and provide the best opportunities for our students."

Harris is a graduate of Branson High School and received his Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks. He earned a Master’s degree from Lindenwood University, a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Missouri State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Lindenwood University. He and his wife, Melissa, who is an elementary teacher, have one son and one daughter that attend school in the district.

“Dr. Harris is not only a great leader but a great person who brings 19 years of experience in education to his new role,” said Dr. Moore. “As a proud Branson graduate, he understands the values and vision of our district, making him an invaluable asset to our schools, staff and students.”

Dr. Tara Roberts, current Superintendent of Taneyville R-II School District, has been named the new Executive Director of Instructional Services, replacing Dr. Mike Dawson who will retire after 30 years of service in public education.

With 17 years in education throughout Southwest Missouri, Roberts holds experience from Forsyth and Taneyville school districts. She earned a Doctorate of Education and a Specialist degree from Lindenwood University, a Master’s degree from William Woods University and a Bachelor’s degree from Drury University. She and her husband, Ben, have one son and two school-aged daughters.

"I am excited to join Branson Public Schools and to build on the strengths of this vibrant district while fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” shared Roberts. “My goal is to collaborate with educators, students and families to create a dynamic learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. I am committed to supporting our dedicated teachers and staff to ensure that we provide the best possible education to every child in our community."

Dr. Moore shared, “We are excited to have Dr. Tara Roberts join Branson Public Schools as our new Executive Director of Instructional Services. With 17 years of experience in education, including nine years as the superintendent at Taneyville, she is a proven leader and an expert in the field of instruction. Her leadership and dedication to student success will be a tremendous asset to our district.”

Byron Richardson has been named Assistant Principal at Branson High School, replacing Jason Steele who moved into the role of Director of Technology for the district. Richardson is currently a physical education instructor and head baseball coach at Forsyth R-III School District. Richardson’s educational background prior to joining Forsyth includes experience as a teacher and coach in the Galena and Gainesville school districts. Richardson joins Dr. Nathan Carter and Dr. Sara Strohm who also serve as assistant principals at Branson High School.

"It’s an incredible privilege to step into this role and to join the team at Branson High School,” said Richardson. “I look forward to building strong relationships and empowering our students to achieve their full potential."

Richardson earned a Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks and a Master’s degree from Lindenwood University. He and his wife, Mallory, have one daughter and one son.

John-Paul Williams will serve as Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge Intermediate next school year. Williams is currently an art teacher for the Reeds Spring School District where he has served for six years. Prior to joining Reeds Spring, Williams served as both a teacher and coach in the Republic School District.

Williams shared, “I am truly honored to join Branson Public Schools, and I am excited to continue the strong tradition of academic excellence and character development at Cedar Ridge Intermediate.”
 
Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks, as well as a Master’s degree from Lindenwood University. He and his wife, Kara, have three daughters and one son.

Harris, Roberts, Richardson and Williams will begin their new duties on July 1, 2025.

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The above press release is from Branson Public Schools.