🧰🔧 Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! 🔧🧰
Today, we want to recognize and thank our Maintenance Director, Billy Thomason, for the incredible work he does to keep our schools running smoothly every single day. From fixing the unexpected to keeping our buildings safe, comfortable, and ready for learning, Billy works behind the scenes to make sure everything is taken care of. His hard work and willingness to jump in wherever he’s needed truly make a difference for our students and staff.
Thank you for everything you do for our school community! 👏
The 2026-2027 Fordland Academic Calendar was approved at the February board meeting. Please see attached.
Have a great weekend,
Dr. Vickers
Mr. Cook brings eleven years of educational experience to this role, including six years as a high school math and middle/high school PE teacher and five years serving as an assistant principal in both Seymour and Fordland. Next year will mark his sixth year in administration.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics/Secondary Education from College of the Ozarks and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from William Woods University. Mr. Cook and his wife, Hannah, who teaches Family and Consumer Sciences at Fordland High School, have been married for eleven years this May. They are proud parents to three children: Lane, Opal, and Cole.
Mr. Cook shared, "I am happy to accept the position of 6–12 principal for next school year. My wife Hannah and I feel blessed to have our family here at Fordland School District. I am looking forward to serving and leading our excellent students, teachers, bus drivers, and staff in a larger role this coming year. Fordland is a small school with great connections and big opportunities." ✨
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Cook as he steps into this important leadership role!
Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate our School Resource Officer, Shane Forrest.
Officer Forrest does so much more than wear a badge in our hallways. He builds relationships with students, supports staff, and helps create a safe, welcoming environment where learning can thrive. His presence brings not only security, but trust, guidance, and encouragement to our school community.
We are incredibly grateful for the care he shows our students, the time he invests in our district, and the positive impact he makes each and every day. Thank you, Officer Forrest, for being such an important part of the Fordland Family! 💙
❄️ With snow in the forecast this weekend, we know excitement starts building, especially for students (and maybe teachers!). While snow days may be fun for some, they’re not something superintendents look forward to, as safety is always our top priority.
While there is no school scheduled for Monday, we encourage families to review our snow day communication process so you feel prepared. Any school cancellations will be shared via phone call, email, the Fordland app, social media, and KY3. Thank you for your continued support. Stay safe and enjoy the weekend! ❄️
Check out our January district newsletter - https://app.smore.com/n/sfm4c-fordland-focus
We are excited to announce Dr. Marty Spence as the new Superintendent of the Fordland School District.
Dr. Spence brings 23 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, and superintendent. He most recently served in that role for the Willow Springs R-IV School District.
“I am honored to join the Fordland community,” Dr. Spence shared. “Fordland has an excellent school district with tremendous community support. I hope to continue the positive momentum of the district with a mission to love, serve, and educate.”
Dr. Spence and his wife, Megan, have three daughters and are excited to become part of the Fordland community.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Spence and his family to Fordland! 💙
Fordland Families,
Check out our December District Newsletter - https://app.smore.com/n/zt0r3-fordland-focus
The last day of the semester is this Friday, December 19. School resumes on Monday, January 5.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
