JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin Schools is pleased to announce Kern Sorrell as the newest principal of Jefferson
Elementary.
Sorrel has served as principal of Rocky Comfort Elementary School in the McDonald County (MO)
School District since 2014. Previously, Mr. Sorrel was a K-12 administrator at Miller (MO) School
District, and principal at East Newton (MO) School District’s Triway Elementary. He began his career in
education as a teacher at East Newton, after having completed student teaching at St. Elizabeth (MO)
School District.
Sorrell is a graduate of Pea Ridge High School in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He received a Bachelor of
Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University in 1994, followed by a Master of Art in
Education Administration from Lindenwood University in 2004, followed by a Specialist in Educational
Administration in 2015.
“I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to join the Joplin School District, the community of Joplin, and
specifically Jefferson Elementary. I look forward to meeting the educational team at Jefferson
Elementary, as well as the community that supports it,” said Sorrell.
As principal at Jefferson Elementary, Sorrel succeeds Dr. Jason Weaver, who will assume the head
principal position at Dover Hill Elementary in July 2023.
“Mr. Sorrell brings several years of successful administrative experience to Jefferson Elementary. We
believe his past work with students, staff and families will serve our district well. He’s been able to help
improve academics at his school, and his training in instruction and assessment will help Joplin
Schools continue to grow academically,” said Joplin Schools superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta.
