Dr. David Pyle & Keith Robertson Lead the Way at Carl Junction Schools

By Don Lowe  

As new Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Pyle and new High School Principal Keith Robertson become more settled in these key leadership roles with the Carl Junction R1 School District, both men are confident in their abilities to handle the responsibility that’s been given to them.      

Dr. David Pyle, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Pyle says, “I’ve been part of this district for 23 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. It’s a true honor to be the leader of Carl Junction Schools.”

In considering what makes him the right person to be superintendent of schools, Dr. Pyle says, “I’m uniquely qualified and positioned for this role. In addition to being part of the district for 23 years, I’ve lived in Carl Junction for 28 years. I’ve developed long-standing and well-established relationships with school staff and members of our community.”  

As for what makes the work here so pivotal, Dr. Pyle says, “The responsibility for educating the youth of our community is essential to both the success of each individual student and the continued growth and prosperity of our community, state and nation.    

“We partner with parents and members of our community in supporting the development of each student from early childhood through post-secondary education and career transition.”  

Thinking about the most important current initiatives for CJSD, Dr. Pyle says, “Each Carl Junction R1 student will reach their individual growth target in reading and mathematics every year. Carl Junction R1 students will effectively demonstrate the skills and character traits necessary to be successful in their futures.  

“Carl Junction R1 Schools, along with our community, will help improve the emotional and physical health of our CJ family. These goals help promote a district-wide focus on the academic, social, physical and emotional development of our students.”  

While there’s reason to feel good about CJSD, Dr. Pyle recognizes one key battle and says, “The greatest challenge and opportunity facing schools is the ongoing recruitment, retention and development of effective teachers in our classrooms and leaders in our schools.    

“Students in all grade levels benefit from quality teachers who are supported by effective school leaders. It’s critical for us to be intentional about attracting and growing the capacity of talented educators.”  

As he navigates his new role, Dr. Pyle has benefitted from wide-ranging influences. “Barbara Meadows (high school biology teacher) inspired me to become an educator. I consider Jerry Walker (high school wrestling coach) a mentor to this day. Doyle Price (junior high and high school principal), who went on to be a school superintendent, was a genuinely good man.    

“Dr. Ron Barton (former Webb City superintendent of schools) was a constant encourager. I worked as assistant principal in the 3 years Georgiana McGriff was principal. Her mentoring helped prepare me for the principalship. Dr. Phillip Cook (retired Carl Junction superintendent of schools) is a colleague, mentor and friend.”  

Dr. Pyle says his “greatest pride as superintendent comes from the opportunity to work alongside the best instructional and support staff anywhere.    

“Our staff is committed to the academic development and promoting the general well-being of our students each day. We have the benefit of broad support from our parents and community members. This combination makes the Carl Junction School District both unique and special. I’m proud to be part of it.”  

Keith Robertson, Carl Junction High School Principal  

“The Carl Junction School District has always been a flagship district, not only in our region but statewide,” Keith Robertson says. “When I learned of the high school principal opening, I was immediately interested in the prospect of returning to Carl Junction.  

“While I previously worked in an outstanding school district and community (Webb City), I’ve always felt the pull to return to Carl Junction. I consider it home and hope to continue fostering that feeling among our staff, students and community members.      

“I was also attracted to the potential of working with Dr. Pyle and Dr. Theresa Wilson,” Robertson continues. “They’re school leaders who have had a lasting impact on me as an educational leader.      

“I started my teaching career at Carl Junction High School. That experience and familiarity with expectations of the district and the community provided me with invaluable knowledge and unique perspective on what makes CJHS so special.        

“We all have responsibility to prepare students for future success. Our daily efforts are focused on ensuring graduates leave here prepared to achieve their goals through college, trade school, workforce and the military.      

“We have an obligation to produce future neighbors and community leaders. That’s a heavy responsibility but one our district accepts as a privilege, and we’re happy to serve the community that continues to be a great support to our district.      

“Our highest priority is providing a safe and caring environment where students can learn at a high level and teachers can effectively teach. There’s no specific end date to complete these tasks. Our teachers maintain a state of continuing growth and improvement. We owe that to the students and community we serve.”  

An area Robertson says the school district will focus on this school year is “implementing the vision our staff and community developed to drive our Portrait of a Graduate components. These are essential skills required by all graduates to be future-ready in the areas of compassion, critical thinking, academic behaviors and life skills.”  

Pointing to another issue in this technologically advanced age, Robertson continues, “A challenge faculty and students face is the pervasiveness of social media and its impact on young adults.  

“There are clear benefits to social media and how it can be used to connect people and learning experiences to real-world application, but we’re wary of the detrimental impacts it can present to the educational mission of our district and students’ overall well-being.      

“My parents (Keith Sr. and Cindy Robertson) are retired educators who shaped my approach to balancing work and family. I’m indebted to them for unconditionally supporting and loving me and my family. Mrs. Terry Thomas, a Senath-Hornersville High School math teacher, remains the standard I use to evaluate effective instruction.      

“Mr. Jeff Swadley (retired Cassville High School intermediate principal) is a dear friend and always one of the first people I call when I need a quick pick-me-up if the job gets me down.”      

Robertson is also thrilled to be working alongside a superintendent of such high caliber, and he says, “Dr. Pyle has been the model of a school administrator that I’ve tried to emulate. He’s forward-thinking and always has his priorities in perspective: What’s best for students and staff is always the place to start when facing a decision.      

“I consider it an honor and privilege to be a member of such a professional, caring and supportive staff at Carl Junction High School. There is nothing like serving the community where you live. I look forward to serving the families and community partners of Carl Junction.”  

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