The Odessa R-7 School District has announced that Katie Russell has accepted the position of principal at McQuerry Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Russell’s career with the Odessa R-VII School District began in 2012 when she joined Odessa Upper Elementary as a fifth-grade teacher. In 2020, she advanced into leadership as Assistant Principal and Process Coordinator at McQuerry Elementary. Most recently, Russell returned to Odessa Upper Elementary in 2024 to serve as Assistant Principal.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2012, her Master’s degree in School Administration from William Woods University in 2014, and her Specialist degree in Superintendency from Northwest Missouri State University in 2023.

Russell will succeed Daniel Armstrong, who will retire at the conclusion of the current school year after 29 years of dedicated service to the district.