Our Departments
Page Navigation
- Business and Finance Department
- Department of Communications
- Curriculum and Instruction Department
-
Department of Student Services
- Homebound Program
- Staff Directory
- Before & After School Program (LINC)
- Behavior Support
- Bullying Procedures & Suicide Awareness
- English Language Learners (EL)
- Enrollment/Residency
- Homeless (McKinney Vento) Services/Foster Care
- Section 504
- Special Education
- Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program
- Department of Technology
- Department of Food and Nutrition
- Department of Purchasing and Bids
- Department of Safety
- Department of Transportation
- Athletics Department
Millennium's Principal Named 1 of 12 Exemplary New Principals in Missouri
January 16, 2018
Craig Merkerson, Ed.D., principal of Millennium at Santa Fe Elementary, has been named the Exemplary New Principal by the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principals Association (KCSEPA). Merkerson was one of several administrators serving in either their second or third year who were nominated by fellow elementary and middle school administrators from Kansas City area districts. He was selected by the organization based on meeting the rigorous criteria for the award and his exemplary performance as a new principal at his school, in his district, within his community, and beyond.
In the words of his colleagues:
“He starts every communication to his staff with ‘To America’s Best Faculty.’ The positive culture he creates makes his staff want to be the best in the country for their students. Teachers respect his dedication to them and their students.”
“Dr. Merkerson builds positive relationships with all his students. They absolutely adore him, even when they are being redirected. He stops at every classroom every morning and greets his students and staff, and he is always in the hallways and classrooms interacting with students. I have seen him stop in the middle of the hallway and sit down with a student who is in crisis. He makes sure all students feel welcome and safe at his school. During my time in another school, he stopped by to visit one of his former students who had transferred to my school. The child literally jumped into his arms when he saw him.”
“As my district mentor, being a first-year principal, he has been invaluable. I can call, text, or email anytime, and he is ready with advice or just to lend an ear.”
The Missouri Exemplary New Principal program honors new elementary and middle-level principals who demonstrate exemplary performance and skills that reflect the best in educational leadership. Each year, the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) honors twelve Exemplary New Principals from around the state. Merkerson and 11 other new principals will be recognized at MAESP Spring Leadership Conference in March in Osage Beach, Missouri, during a dinner banquet.
KCSEPA is proud to have Merkerson represent the outstanding commitment and talents of his fellow elementary and middle-level principals in the Kansas City suburban area as the organization’s 2017-18 Exemplary New Principal.
“Dr. Merkerson has truly been an outstanding principal,” HMC-1 Superintendent Yolanda Cargile, Ed.D. said. “He inspires his staff, students, and colleagues to provide a positive, high-quality atmosphere for our Millennium students to succeed in. This award is a true reflection of Dr. Merkerson and his contagious energy.”
Millennium at Santa Fe Elementary serves approximately 330 students in Jackson County. Merkerson is a member of KCSEPA and MAESP.