Saying goodbye to a staff member who has been a part of a school for over 15 years is never easy. But when someone like Mr. Andrew Zuber is replacing him, there is a sense of anticipation.

Mr. Brad Thompson has decided to retire this year from being a Freshman Principal at Fort Osage High school. He has dedicated 16 years of his life to Fort Osage students, staff, school, community, and now he’s decided it’s time to say farewell to the organization he’s been with so long. 

Mr. Thompson said that it was not until November of 2020 that he made the final decision, although he and his family had been discussing the idea before that. 

“Most definitely the people,” Mr. Thompson said about what he would miss most. “I’ve enjoyed the students, the teachers, all of the staff, everyone I’ve been able to work with.”

Mr. Thompson received his Bacholers from Lincoln University, and his masters and specialist degree from William Woods University. Prior to coming to Fort, he spent nine years in Palyra R-1 School District and three years in Lewis County C-1 School District. Mr. Thompson spent three years as an administrator at Highland High School (Lewis Co.) and two years as an administrator at Palmyra High School. The school administration has already found a good fit to fill the void Mr. Thompson will be leaving.

“I feel like he will be missed at the school,” Senior Edward Estepan said. “He’s a great guy with a big heart.”

At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, current Assistant Principal Mr. Andrew Zuber will be transitioning into the Freshman Principal position. Mr. Thompson feels his fellow co-worker will be a good fit.

“He relates with his students, the teachers, he’s a people person.” Mr. Thompson said. “And I think he will do very well.” 

Mr. Zuber attended UCM and got his degree in Math and Secondary Ed. He also attended William Woods, where he got his masters and got an educational specialist degree.

“Once he started talking about retiring, the process of selecting who should fill that spot is very quick,” Mr. Zuber said. “The question is, what’s the next best thing for our students? It’s very similar to basketball, and the way each player is assigned a position based on their strengths and where the coach thinks they will excel at.”

Mr. Zuber taught and coached at Odessa High School for four years before coming to Fort Osage.

“I like supporting our kids, chatting with them and getting to know them,” Mr. Zuber said. “My goal definitely is to spread positivity.” 

Mr Zuber has big goals and is excited about this new opportunity. His first priority is finding the best way to get our incoming freshmen on track from day one.