July 3, 2024, Press Release from the Shawnee School District: (Shawnee School District) – Shawnee Local School District announces leadership changes following the June Shawnee Board of Education meeting.
Mr. Dylan Dronberger was named the Director of Development and Assessment. Dronberger has been with the District since 2021, serving as Shawnee High School Principal and Assistant High School Principal. A native of Kansas, Dronberger attended Fort Hays State University and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Educational Administration degrees. He also served as the Building Principal, Athletic Director, and Transportation Director at Victoria Jr./Sr. High School in Victoria, Kansas from 2012-2021.
Dronberger, who is replacing Amber Straub upon her retirement after 35+ years of service to Shawnee, said, “It is an honor to follow in Amber’s footsteps. She continually fostered Shawnee’s ‘Tradition of Excellence’ and ensured that the District was meeting or exceeding educational standards. I look forward to building upon her success and working alongside Superintendent Diglia to ensure that Shawnee will always promote the best in education.”
Mr. James Morris was named High School Principal. Morris has served in the Shawnee School District since 2012. He has more than twenty years of experience in area schools, including roles in special education and as an Assistant Principal in Shawnee. Morris earned his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Wright State University and his Master of Educational Administration and Supervision degree from Bowling Green State University.
Morris stated, “It’s an honor to be selected as the Shawnee High School Principal. Our community and ‘Tradition of Excellence’ at Shawnee inspire me to find the best ways to serve the families who make up the Shawnee community. I look forward to working with our new Superintendent and being a member of his leadership team.”
Mr. Brock Howe will replace Morris as Assistant High School Principal. Mr. Howe previously served as the Junior High Principal and High School Assistant Principal at Wayne Trace.
Mrs. Michelle Knippen was named Director of Special Services, replacing Jennie Hefner. Knippen has been with the district since 2022, serving as an Intervention Specialist. She has 20+ years of teaching and administrative experience.
Earlier this year, Mr. Josh Inglis was named as the Maplewood Principal, replacing Michele Roberts. Inglis has 20+ years of experience at Lima City Schools.
“The Shawnee community and our students will continue to be well-served as we build a robust leadership team in our schools,” said Don Diglia, Superintendent. “Dylan and James have proven to be excellent educators, role models, and team builders. I am excited to have them as part of our leadership team as we work to continue Shawnee’s ‘Tradition of Excellence.’ Michelle, Brock and Josh will bring fresh perspectives to enrich our team.”
For questions or comments, please contact Shawnee Local Schools Superintendent Don Diglia at don@limashawnee.com.
