Ben Strauser has been named the new principal of Washington Middle School, effective July 1, 2026. He will replace Laura Bruckerhoff, who will retire following the 2025–26 school year.

Strauser currently serves as an assistant principal at Washington High School and has been with the School District of Washington for nine years, including six years in his current role. He has spent 13 years in education overall.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to step into a leadership role at Washington Middle School,” Strauser said. “In my six years as assistant principal at Washington High School, I’ve had the opportunity to work with countless students and help put systems in place to show individuals that they can be successful.”

Strauser began his career in education as a social studies and business teacher at Kingston High School, where he taught for four years. During that time, he served as department chair and curriculum contributor for social studies and also coached multiple sports, including head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and junior high basketball and baseball coach.

In 2017, Strauser joined Washington High School as a social studies teacher and curriculum lead and served as an assistant football coach. He transitioned into the assistant principal role in 2020.

Strauser said he is looking forward to leading Washington Middle School and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. He emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes student growth, academic success, and a smooth transition between grade levels.

“It’s been a goal of mine over the last few years to one day run a building,” Strauser said. “I’ve always liked the middle school age. I worked with middle school students in my previous position at Kingston in a junior and senior high building, and I’ve coached middle school and junior high sports. I enjoy working with students who are discovering who they are, learning how to navigate life, and need both challenge and support to grow as individuals.”

“Mr. Strauser is a student-centered leader who understands the importance of both academic growth and strong relationships. We are excited to see him continue that work at Washington Middle School,” said School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart. “Throughout his time at Washington High School, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to students, high expectations, and collaborative leadership. Those strengths will serve our middle school students and staff well.”

With his experience at the high school level, Strauser brings valuable insight into the academic and organizational expectations students will encounter as they prepare for high school.

“I know what students need to be ready for at the high school level while still being very focused on where they are developmentally,” Strauser said. “As students begin to discover their interests and explore opportunities, I can help guide them toward different paths and show them what is available at the high school.”

As principal, Strauser plans to focus on maintaining a positive school culture, supporting teachers and staff, and ensuring students are prepared for future academic expectations. He values collaboration and communication and looks forward to working closely with the middle school community.

“I believe being an assistant principal has prepared me to take on a greater leadership role within the district,” Strauser said. “I’ve had six years to learn how we operate vertically and how the high school and middle school work together. I’m also excited to work with elementary students as they prepare to transition to middle school.”

Strauser is eager to begin meeting Washington Middle School staff members in the coming months.

“I’ve already spoken with Mrs. Bruckerhoff, and I plan to attend some team meetings in the weeks and months ahead,” he said. “In January, I plan to introduce myself to the staff and share some of the ideas I’ll bring to the building. By the end of the school year, I hope to meet individually with each staff member to learn more about them.”

A 2000 graduate of Northwest High School, Strauser holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences and secondary education from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Missouri Baptist University, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in educational leadership: principalship from Arkansas State University.

Strauser and his wife, Casi, have been married for 15 years and have three children: son Tyrus, age 12, a sixth-grade student at Washington West Elementary, and daughters Charlie, age three, and Pollyanna, eight months old.

Laura Bruckerhoff to Retire

Bruckerhoff will retire at the end of the school year after 33 years in education, including 28 years with the School District of Washington.

She began her career as a fifth-grade teacher at Lonedell, where she taught for five years, before joining the district as an eighth-grade science and health teacher at Washington Middle School for nine years.

After 14 years in the classroom, Bruckerhoff transitioned into administration, serving one year as assistant principal at South Point Elementary, six years as principal at Marthasville Elementary, five years as associate principal at Washington Middle School, and seven years as principal at WMS.

“I have been honored to serve the Washington community as both a teacher and leader. It has been a privilege to watch thousands of students learn and grow into caring citizens,” Bruckerhoff said. “Washington Middle School has been my home for much of my career, and both current and former staff will always hold a special place in my heart. I am excited to travel and spend time with my family in retirement.”

 

Ben Strauser has been named new principal of Washington Middle School Principal, effective July 1, 2026.