BELLE — Maries County R-2 officials announced Feb. 15 that the district’s assistant principal Bobbi Robertson was hired as Belle Elementary School principal for the 2024-25 school year, to replace Principal Vanessa Feeler who is retiring.

“We are thrilled to announce Mrs. Robertson as the new principal for Belle Elementary,” said Maries R-2 Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham.  “She is an amazing educator and leader and her commitment to our community is evident. She has proven that she can lead with a focus on academic excellence, student well-being and community engagement.”

Robertson was one of six applicants who applied for the position and the only internal applicant. A team interviewed all six applicants on Feb. 8, but the Maries County R-2 Board of Education only interviewed Robertson on Feb. 12 during the final round.

Robertson, who has a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University and earned her bachelor of science degree from Drury University, has been serving as assistant principal, athletic director, and dance team coach in all three buildings for two years. Prior to serving as assistant principal, she has taught in the district since 2008 as a first-, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher.

Robertson, a Belle native, has two children Kaylei and Kaiden, who both graduated from Belle High School. She and her husband, Kyle, are also Belle High School alumni.

“The Board of Education is very pleased and excited to see what the future holds for Mrs. Robertson and the students of Belle Elementary,” Board President Kenda Sanders said. “Mrs. Robertson is an extraordinary example of someone who not only grew up in the community, but of someone who chose to grow their career within our district, being a true asset to our families and students.”

“This community/district is home to me and I will always want what’s best for students and staff of Maries R-2,” Robertson said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve them as the Belle Elementary principal.”

Robertson will officially begin her new principal role on July 1.

Robertson’s soon-to-be former role as assistant principal was scheduled to be posted on Feb. 16 for applicants to apply.

“We do not have anyone in mind for the position at this time,” Basham said. “The position will continue to be a fifty-fifty position with part-time assistant principal in all buildings and the athletic director.”