Markie Lampkin has been named assistant principal at Washington High School, effective July 1, 2026. The Board of Education approved the hire on Wednesday, February 18.

Lampkin replaces Ben Strauser, who will assume the role of principal at Washington Middle School.

Lampkin brings nearly a decade of administrative experience to Washington High School, having served in a variety of leadership roles throughout her career. She currently serves as Associate Principal at Union High School, a position she has held for three years. Prior to that, she was Assistant Principal at UHS.

“I am elated to accept the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Principal at Washington High School. I very much believe in leading, living and learning within my community that I serve,” Lampkin said. “The commitment to career and technical education, academic success, post-secondary planning and the opportunities for the students at Washington High School further attracted me to the position.” 

“Markie stood out throughout the interview process for her dedication to students and her experience in effectively navigating complex situations. She is a relentless worker who approaches challenges with a steady, solutions-oriented mindset that will serve the WHS community well,” said Washington High School Principal Dr. Eric Turner. “Markie has a natural ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and parents. Coupled with her experience as an instructional leader, she brings both the heart and the skill set needed to support teaching and learning at a high level.”

Prior to her time at Union High School, Lampkin served as junior high principal and high school assistant principal at the Kingston K-14 School District. She also worked as the PK-12 Director of Instructional Technology at the St. Clair R-XIII School District and began her career in education as a secondary teacher.

A graduate of Centralia High School, Lampkin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Westminster College, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia College, and a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University. She has completed her Doctorate at William Woods University, with her dissertation defense pending.

Throughout her career, Lampkin has emphasized the importance of building positive, meaningful relationships with students and staff, maintaining high expectations for success, and remaining an active and engaged member of the school community.

“I pride myself on my ability to actively listen and authentically communicate, a strong instructional background to improve classroom teaching and learning, and a sense of fun that students and staff deserve,” Lampkin said. “My leadership style is a blend of relational leadership meets high accountability. I believe deeply in knowing my students and my staff, while having enough pride to not always have all the answers and to come to solutions together through collaborative conversations and intentional communication.”

Markie and her husband, Wil, have three children - Monroe (10), Otto (7), and Tennyson (4).

 

Markie Lampkin Named Washington High School Assistant Principal