New Linn R-2 Middle School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Chris Minnix is excited to join the staff and enthusiastic about potential growth.

“I have always heard great things about Linn, and I am excited to see all of the growth that has been happening recently,” said Minnix. “I am excited to work with this community and welcome the opportunity to work in a great district with even more potential. I love the idea of a small community that I can really dig into and be a part of in a positive way.”

Minnix has taught at Antioch Middle School in the North Kansas City School district since 2016-17, and he got his start at Smithton Middle School in Columbia, so he’s not exactly a stranger to these parts.

“That was my first teaching and coaching job, and I loved the area,” said Minnix, who earned his Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision in 2018 from Ball State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2009, also from Ball State.

Minnix completed his student teaching through the Department of Defense Educational Activity (DODEA) at Ramstein Middle School in Germany, where he was an assistant soccer coach.

A year after marrying Katy in 2015, the Minnix family moved to Kansas City, but after their son, Tate, was born two years ago, they wanted to return to the Mid-Missouri area to be closer to family. Katy grew up in Jefferson City and graduated from Helias Catholic High School. She has been hired as executive assistant to State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong, who explained that in 1999, as he was completing his graduate degree, he had two job offers. 

“In both cases, the colleges helped secure interviews and offers for Amy before we left town,” said Dr. Strong of his wife. “Over the years, we did this all the time at Missouri State University. Chris’s wife Katy was interviewing for a position at State Tech, by the end of the week we had a package deal. I am glad our timing was perfect. I am equally excited to welcome them both to Linn!” 

When the opportunity arose that both could potentially work in the same community, it was an easy decision.

“It seemed like a perfect fit,” Chris said. “We’re ready to put some roots down.”

While this is his first official administrative post, Minnix said he’s looking forward to working with Linn teachers, staff, and students.

“This is an amazing community with a great school district,” said Minnix. “I see a lot of potential, and I’m ready to get going. I look forward to building an environment where students feel safe and free to explore how the world works around them, challenging them through a rigorous curriculum, holding them to high expectations, and guiding them through hardships and challenges.

“By supporting teachers in the classroom as an instructional leader and holding students accountable to high expectations, a strong foundation is set for student success,” he continued. “From there, meaningful learning can occur, and students can grow into educated and responsible people who are prepared to live successful and productive lives as contributing citizens of our community.”

Minnix spent a lot of time working with administrators at Antioch, helping with parent contacts as well as students with academic needs.

“I valued my time in the classroom, but this is what I was meant to do,” said Minnix. “I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

He believes that students greatly benefit from participation in extra-curricular activities and hopes to help maintain traditions and build success.

In his most recent post, Minnix was the head football coach for five years, during which he led the team to four district championships and a city title. Last year, Antioch went undefeated in the Greater Kansas City League.

He also served as an assistant basketball coach as the team won two district titles and a city title.

While he enjoys football, he loves building programs and seeing students reach their full potential. 

“I want to help elevate all sports,” Minnix said. “At the same time, it’s important to remember that academics come first.”

Minnix will begin his duties on July 1.