The St. James R-1 School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Mr. Travis Sampson as the new Assistant Principal of St. James High School. He will begin serving in this leadership role starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Mr. Sampson brings more than 15 years of experience in education across K-12 settings, including special education supports and international education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Baptist University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri. Throughout his career, he has served as a Social Studies teacher and Department Chair at both Salem High School and St. James High School.
Mr. Sampson shared that St. James High School has quickly become his professional home. He expressed appreciation for the character of the students, the professionalism of the staff, and the pride shown by the community. He believes strong schools grow stronger when leaders support outstanding teachers, remove barriers, and maintain a clear focus on learning.
“My vision is for St. James High School to continue to be a place where students feel cared for, challenged, and proud to belong,” said Mr. Sampson. “I want to be a visible and consistent presence in the building, strengthening systems that protect learning and ensuring students and staff have the support they need to succeed.”
Superintendent Tim Webster shared his support for the appointment. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Sampson into this leadership role,” Webster said. “He understands our students and our community, and he brings a student-centered approach to leadership. His focus on relationships, high expectations, and strong systems aligns well with our mission to empower students through caring relationships, academic excellence, and community partnerships.”
As Assistant Principal, Mr. Sampson looks forward to expanding his impact beyond a single classroom and supporting the entire building. He plans to engage with students through clear expectations and positive relationships, support teachers by removing barriers to instruction, and partner with parents through open and consistent communication.
Originally from Salem, Missouri, Mr. Sampson is a graduate of Salem High School. He and his wife spent the early years of their marriage teaching overseas in South Korea and southern Italy. They have two children. Outside of school, he enjoys following Cardinals baseball and spending time with his family, often cheering on his son’s latest Pokémon card discovery.
Mr. Sampson will officially begin his role as Assistant Principal of St. James High School on July 1, 2026.