Jacob Munoz Named Next Principal At Festus Middle School

The Festus R-VI Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday night to hire Mr. Jacob Munoz to be the next principal of Festus Middle School.   Munoz is currently the Assistant Principal. “We are excited for Jake to transition into the role of Middle School Principal,” said Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell.  “ Having served as Assistant Principal, he fully understands the culture and expectations of FMS and most of all truly cares about students." 

Dr. Nicki Ruess, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning added, “I am certain Mr. Munoz will continue to have a positive impact on the building in which he is very familiar.  I am looking forward to working with him in the lead principal role at the Middle School." 

Munoz has been at Festus Middle School since the 2015-16 school year.  Prior to Festus, Munoz taught in the Hillsboro R-3 school district and was a Jefferson County Juvenile Youth Care worker.  “I’m really excited,” Munoz said.  “I have been working in the Middle School for five years and have had the opportunity to work with great students, staff, and families.  I am honored to be able to work with them for years to come.”

Munoz and his wife, Jessica, live in Festus with their four children.  She is a kindergarten teacher at Festus Elementary School.  Munoz has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  He holds an Administrative K-8 Principal certificate and an Elementary education teaching certificate.  He expects to complete his Education Specialist degree in June 2020.

Festus High School Counselor Jennifer Kline traveled to Washington, D.C. during th last week of January to be recognized as one of four finalists to become the 2020 National School Counselor of the Year.  Kline received the honor during a gala held at Washington's Union Station.   During her week in Washington, Kline met with Missouri 2nd District Congresswoman Ann Wagner and both of Missouri's Senators, Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley.  She also had the opportunity to meet with staff at the Department of Education and participate in a congressional briefing where she and her fellow Counselor of the Year finalists appeared on a panel discussion to talk about public education and some of the issues school counselors are facing across the country.

The American School Counselor Association which presents the School Counselor of the Year Award says "the award honors exemplary school counseling professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates for the nation's students, helping them achieve success in school and in life.   

In a special meeting this week, the Festus R-VI School Board of Education unanimously approved A.J. Ofodile, Jr. as the ninth Head Football Coach at Festus High School.  Ofodile spent the last four seasons on Coach Barry Odom’s football staff at the University of Missouri.  Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri, with 13 of those years as head football coach.   “I’m very excited to be joining the Festus family,” Ofodile said.  “During the entire time of the interview process I was blown away by the excellence displayed by the District, from top to bottom.  It is rare to find that kind of commitment.”

Ofodile spent six seasons in the NFL, initially drafted by the Buffalo Bills, and his final three with the Baltimore Ravens.  After his playing career concluded, he coached on Barry Odom’s staff at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia.  He became head coach after Odom departed for the college ranks.  During his 13 seasons as head coach at Rock Bridge, Ofodile was named District Coach of the Year three times (2006; 2010; 2013), his teams won four District championships, and in 2013 Rock Bridge advanced to the Class 6 Show-Me Bowl State Championship Game.  During his tenure at Rock Bridge, he coached more than 45 D-1 signees.

“We are pleased to welcome Coach Ofodile to Festus,” said Superintendent Dr. Link Luttrell.  “Being able to attract the attention of a high caliber coach such as Coach Ofodile is an indication of how outside individuals view not only our football program but also our outstanding excellence displayed across the K-12 spectrum. I’m hoping all of our students, parents, and patrons will welcome him and his wife into our school community”

In addition to his head coaching duties, Coach Ofodile will teach strength and conditioning classes at the high school along with coordinating the strength and conditioning program so it meets the needs of all students.  Athletic Director Eric Allen is excited to welcome Coach Ofodile to Festus, “To get such a quality coach with his drive to make young men better and his vast knowledge of the game is a win for our student-athletes.  He will be an asset to the Festus School District.”

A formal introduction to student athletes and parents will be scheduled in the very near future.

Save the date and mark your calendars, we have some important dates coming up that you'll need to remember for next school year.

High school registration for CURRENT 8th & 10th graders will be Monday, February 24 from 3pm-8pm.

High School registration for CURRENT 9th & 11th graders will be Thursday, February 27 from 3pm-8pm.

Registration for INCOMING Kindergarten students will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, March 12-14.

More information about these important dates will be posted when the details are finalized.