Meet School Administration

Mrs. Gretchen Pontious began her postsecondary education at Kansas State University, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She launched her teaching career at Arkansas City Middle School as an 8th grade math teacher and spent three years there before stepping into a leadership role as a Center Director at Mathnasium. After a year away from public education, she realized her heart was still in the classroom and returned to teach math at Rose Hill High School.

In 2015, Mrs. Pontious joined Derby High School as a math teacher and quickly became a leader within the department, eventually serving as Department Chair. During this time, she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University (2016) and later completed her Building Leadership Endorsement at Fort Hays State University (2020). Her passion for educational leadership led her to serve as Principal at Park Hill Elementary for three years before returning to Derby High School, where she is now in her fourth year as Principal.

She and her husband, also a teacher and coach in the district, moved to Derby in 2015 and knew immediately it was where they wanted to raise their family. Their three children attend Derby Public Schools, and the family is proud to be part of the community.

“I am thrilled to begin my fourth year at Derby High School and look forward to another fantastic year supporting students, staff and the greater Derby community. Green is magic!”

Mr. Bennett and his wife live here in Derby with their four kids. He is starting his fourth year as an Assistant Principal at Derby High School. Prior to working in Derby, he was an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Mulvane Middle School three years and taught Health/PE/Weights at Winfield Middle School while also serving as the Head Baseball Coach at Winfield High School for four years. He also taught for three years at South High School and coached High School Baseball at Cheney High School and The Independent School for a combined nine years.

Some of his specific administrative duties at Derby High School include the following areas: 9th-grade principal, staff evaluations, athletic/activity supervision, student laptops, summer school, orientation, PIT/GEI crew and Acellus coordinator. 

Mr. McCubbin has worked in education for 13 years. In addition to three years experience as a school administrator, he has worked as a high school social studies teacher, department head and coach. He has served for 19 years in the United States Army Reserve and is currently assigned to the 451st ESC in Wichita. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and The University of Kansas, respectively. His wife of 18 years, Katie, is a 1st grade teacher at Stone Creek elementary and their daughter, Erin, is a 3rd grade student there. His hobbies and interests include classic cars, running and the NBA.

Some of his specific administrative duties at Derby High School include serving as the 10th grade principal, doing staff evaluations, supervising athletics and activities, and overseeing safety and security, emergency drills, PDC accountability and in-school suspension/A-room.

Mr. McCarthy is in his 15th year in education and second as an administrator. He holds multiple degrees from Fort Hays State University, BS, MS (Psych), MS (Admin) Ed.S. (Psych), and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University.

He previously served as a school psychologist and District Department Chair at Blue Valley High School, later moving into a district role as a Special Education Administrator. A former high school golf coach, his teams earned state titles and multiple tournament appearances.

A U.S. Army Military Police veteran, Mr. McCarthy is proud to serve in a district that honors military service. He and his wife, Nikki, a longtime special education teacher, have three grown children (one in the US Army) and a Yorkshire Terrier named Teddy. 

Some of his specific administrative duties at Derby High School include the following areas: Junior class principal, Special Education / 504 Building Administrator, 11th grade discipline, 11th grade IEP’s / 504’s, Teacher Evaluations, Event Supervision, PBIS, Homebound, and Parent / Teacher Conference Coordination.
 

Mr. Moseley attended Emporia State University and spent 12 years teaching Business Education before moving into administration at Derby High School. During his teaching career, he taught a variety of business courses, including concurrent college credit classes, coached both DECA and Scholars Bowl and led the development of several school-based, student-led businesses.

Mr. Moseley is beginning his fourth year as an assistant principal at Derby High School and is excited for another year of partnering with the outstanding students, staff and Derby community. His administrative responsibilities include senior discipline, teacher evaluations, event supervision, the master schedule, Skyward, Pantherpawlooza, Career and Technical Education (CTE) building contact, college and career readiness and serving as the concurrent/dual credit contact.

Outside of school, Mr. Moseley enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling and making the most of their time together outdoors. He loves attending his kids’ various sporting events and tries to squeeze in some golf here and there.

Cheryl Parks just completed her 18th year in education, 15 of them in Texas, but was born and raised in Southern California and earned her Bachelor’s degree in science from California State University, San Bernardino. She lived in Texas for about 22 years before moving to Kansas. She received my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and then her Principal Certification at Lamar University. She has held many leadership positions at other districts in Texas and is starting her fourth year in administration at Derby High School. She has enjoyed exploring Kansas and integrating into the Derby community with her husband. Her two daughters and grandchildren live in Oklahoma and her son and his wife have moved to Kansas. She is excited for another year of work with the students, staff, families and community.

Some of her specific administrative duties at Derby High School include the following areas: at-risk senior & junior principal, event supervision, curriculum oversight, ELL, Special Education, virtual student programming and graduation. 

“I can’t wait to get to know our new seniors and help them make it to their ringing of the bell."

Russell Baldwin grew up in an Army family, living all over the world, but calls Lansing, KS his hometown. His wife, Janny, teaches Fourth Grade in the Derby District and they have two school-aged children, Emma and AJ. He has a B.S. from Kansas State in Secondary Education and two Master's degrees--Educational Administration from Ft. Hays State and Sports Administration from the University of Kansas. He taught Social Studies in Bonner Springs, KS and Platte City, MO before moving into administration. He was the Middle School Principal in Phillipsburg, KS before taking his current job as District Athletic/Activities Director. When he is not at work, he enjoy spending time outside and with family or watching sporting events. He and his family love living and working in Derby.