We are pleased to announce that the Kearney School District Board of Education has approved the selection of Dr. Ali Stewart as the new principal of Southview Elementary, starting July 1, 2026. The board members’ unanimous decision was made during their business meeting last night.

Dr. Stewart is currently serving as KSD’s Director of Curriculum & Instruction. She has held this central office position since 2023, following a two-year stint as the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator.

Dr. Stewart has a 24-year proven track record of implementing innovative teaching methodologies tailored to meet individual student needs, resulting in improved academic performance and student engagement. She is also adept at fostering positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and colleagues to create a collaborative learning environment. She is committed to continuous improvement and staying abreast of the latest educational trends and best practices.

Dr. Stewart was a Reading Interventionist/Instructional Coach for KSD from 2014 to 2021. Before that, she taught first and third grade for six years in Liberty and first grade for six years in Smithville. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education-Reading from Northwest Missouri State University, in addition to Educational Specialist in Leadership and Educational Doctorate in Leadership degrees from William Woods University.

Please join us in welcoming this dedicated and accomplished instructional and administrative leader to Southview Elementary. We look forward to supporting her and the entire Southview team as you all carry on the remarkable legacy of public education excellence established under the long and distinguished leadership of Dr. Rebecca Parks, who will be retiring at the end of the current academic year.