Following a comprehensive search process, the School District of Washington Board of Education has announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Cassandra Suggs as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2026.

Suggs will replace Dr. Jennifer Kephart, who recently accepted a position as superintendent of Liberty Public Schools.

Suggs brings nearly 20 years of experience in public education, including roles as a teacher, principal, and district-level administrator. She began her career with the School District of Washington.

“Returning home to the School District of Washington is an incredible honor and one I do not take lightly. I am sincerely grateful to the Board of Education for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve,” Suggs said. “This is the community that shaped me as an educator, where I began my journey as a paraprofessional and later served as an ELL teacher, and where my passion for serving students first took root. It is also the place that nurtured and educated my children and surrounded my family with a sense of belonging, support and care that we will always cherish.”

Suggs is currently the assistant superintendent for the Affton School District, where she oversees various departments such as curriculum and instruction, ELL, college and career readiness, and early childhood. She previously served as director of educational equity and access in the Rockwood School District and brings a strong background in instructional leadership and student-centered support.

Suggs began her educational career in the School District of Washington as a paraprofessional and later an ELL instructor. She was named the 2018 Washington High School Renaissance Teacher of the Year. She has also served as dean of students at Hickman High School in Columbia, an adjunct journalism professor at the University of Missouri, assistant principal at Rockwood South Middle School, and principal at Wildwood Middle School.

In addition to her work in education, Suggs has experience in media and communications as a writer and radio and television host. She is also the author of two award-winning books focused on self-esteem for adolescents.

“The Board of Education is proud to announce Dr. Cassandra Suggs as our next superintendent,” said Board of Education President Dan Leslie. “Dr. Suggs’ enthusiasm is contagious and we are eager to see how she will inspire our students and staff to achieve excellence. Her diverse background of exposure to so many disciplines necessary to lead a successful district is impressive. Although she has a tough act to follow in Dr. Kephart, the Board is confident that she will be a dynamic and well qualified leader to propel our district to the next level.”

Suggs holds an Executive Juris Doctorate from Purdue University Global Law School, where she graduated with the highest grade-point average in her class. She also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, completed a professional certificate in school leadership through Harvard University, and holds additional degrees and certifications in educational policy, curriculum development, and leadership coaching. She is a certified civil rights investigator, mediation specialist, and professional development facilitator, bringing extensive knowledge in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and school improvement.

“To now have the opportunity to serve as superintendent in the very district that has given so much to me and my family is truly humbling,” Suggs said. “I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation established by Dr. Jennifer Kephart and working alongside our staff, students, families and community to support continued success.”

Suggs and her husband, Ron, have four grown sons - Scott, Skyler, Ronnie and Cason - all of whom are Washington High School graduates.

“This is more than a position. It is a full-circle moment and a calling to give back to a community that I love deeply,” Suggs said. “I am grateful. I am honored. And I am ready to serve. Dreams really do come true.”

 

Dr. Cassandra Suggs