• Summer 2018

    Hello Wildcat family! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the Superintendent of schools.

    My name is Paul Mensching. I am originally from Eagar, Arizona which is a rural community located in the White Mountains of Arizona. I received my undergraduate degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where I majored in history and secondary education.

    After college I began my career at Mexico High School in Mexico, Missouri as a 9th and 10th grade social studies teacher, assistant basketball, and football coach. In my second year at Mexico, I married my high school sweetheart, Rachel.

    Four years later, I decided to try my hand at coaching varsity basketball as we moved to Monroe City, in northeast Missouri. While in Monroe City, I discovered my passion for administration while serving as athletic director.

    In 2002, I became the junior high school principal at Mark Twain Junior/Senior High School in Ralls County. The following year, I became high school principal where I served until 2008 when I became the Superintendent at East Buchanan C-1 in Gower.

    Rachel and I now have four children; Abby (20 – will be a junior at BYU in Provo, Utah), Bryce (18 - recent high school graduate), Kyle (16 – will be a sophomore at Harrisonville High School), and Jaxon (14 – will be a freshman at Harrisonville High School). In my spare time, I enjoy camping, golfing, reading, attending school activities, and spending time with my family.

    Our family has thoroughly enjoyed our time in the East Buchanan community for the past ten years. We have grown older and perhaps a little wiser! However, there comes a time and a place in everyone’s life when they have to reflect on mission and purpose. As an educator, I am always looking for ways to better serve students. Harrisonville is a great community where I felt directed to serve next.

    During my tenure at East Buchanan we faced many hurdles together, perhaps none more significant than one of the greatest economic recessions in our country’s history. Together our community overcame those type of challenges. I know that the Harrisonville Schools face challenges as well. But we can overcome those challenges by working together for the best interest of all students.

    I also know that being a district leader requires focus and vision. I intend to learn everything related to being a Wildcat and then to develop a collaborative vision with our community. My entry plan includes a systematic approach into developing that vision. The first year, my primary objective will be to listen and learn from the various stakeholders of the district and then to work collaboratively on key areas that we feel need to be improved for our students.

    I feel honored with this opportunity to serve and children and families of Harrisonville and look forward to meeting everyone!

    Paul Mensching