Ash Grove announces new high school principal

Ash Grove High School will have a new principal in the new school year in Greg White. White was previously employed in the district in the role of social studies teacher.
 
At the end of the school year, the current and longtime principal, Chris Thompson, will step down from his current position after more than 30 years in the district.
 
Greg White was previously a social studies teacher for Ash Grove middle schoolers for five years, moving over to Sparta for three years to continue teaching social studies, this time at the high school level. He then moved to the Lebanon School District, where he would serve as the middle school assistant principal, among other leadership roles, according to a statement released by the Ash Grove School District. In that same statement, White made known how he feels about the district that he can once again call home.
 
“I’m truly honored to share that I will be serving as the next lead principal of Ash Grove High School and Junior High,” said White. “Ash Grove is a special place with a proud history, strong traditions, and high expectations for students and staff alike. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and help carry that legacy forward. I’m especially excited to reconnect and work alongside former colleagues who care deeply about this school and community. The relationships and pride that define Ash Grove are what make it such a strong and supportive place for students to grow. I look forward to partnering with our teachers, students, families, and community as we continue building on the tradition of excellence that makes Ash Grove such a special place to call home. It’s a privilege to serve, and I can’t wait to get started.”
 
He will be replacing Chris Thompson, who has served the district for 31 years, 19 of those years in the position of principal. Thompson submitted his retirement notice to the board of education on Jan. 28 at a board of education meeting with his last day slated for June 30.
 
White will take the reigns at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.