Mrs. Trogdon has a long and successful history with our district. She began her career, along with her time in Republic, in 2003. Mrs. Trogdon spent seven years teaching special education, and then took the opportunity to move into the role of process coordinator, where she has been serving for the last seven years. Mrs. Trogdon was an instrumental leader as a PC in providing academic and family resources to students with disabilities. She has undergone and led many trainings and has obtained many certifications as well. Specifically, Mrs. Trogdon is a district specialist and consultant in regards to students with autism. She has also served the role of liaison between the special education and the curriculum department.

She graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in special education. From there Mrs. Trogdon went on to obtain a master's degree in elementary education and a specialist degree in school administration, both from Lindenwood University.

Mrs. Trogdon has a passion for matching student and family needs with helpful resources, and this passion along with her previous experience makes her a great fit for her new role of Interim Coordinator of Federal Programs and Student Support Services. A role she took on as of July 1 with the retirement announcement of the former director of this program, Dr. Amy Cook. We send Dr. Cook our best wishes on her new journey, and also wish Mrs. Trogdon well in her new role.   

Mr. John Laster has been named the Director of Transportation for the Republic School District. He has been serving as a bus driver for our Republic team since 2007, and has over 10 years of supervisory experience in various fields. Mr. Laster is known for his ability to build relationships and promote teamwork through effective communication along with investing in his employees and peers. This quality along with his historical knowledge of the Republic School District Transportation Department is sure to make him a great fit for his new role.

When asked about the focus of the Transportation Department Mr. Laster indicated, "I want to keep us moving in a positive direction and with a positive work environment...focusing on our children and their future and the positive impact the bus drivers can make from the start of their day to the end of their day."

Mr. Laster is excited to begin his new role of overseeing the transporting of our community's most prized possession-our children-to and from school each day, and we are excited to have him!