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 our 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 third 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, Pre-ACT coordinator and acellus coordinator. 

Mr. McCubbin has worked in education for 12 years. In addition to two years experience as a school administrator, he has worked as a high school social studies teacher, department head and coach. He has served for 18 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 17 years, Katie, is a 1st grade teacher at Stone Creek Elementary and their daughter attends Derby Public Schools. His hobbies and interests include classic cars, running and the NBA.

Some of his specific administrative duties at Derby High School include the following areas: 10th grade principal, staff evaluations, athletic/activity supervision, safety and security, emergency drills, PDC process and in-school suspension/A-room.

Mr. McCarthy is beginning his 14th year in education and second as an administrator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degrees in both School Psychology and Educational Administration, and an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology, all from Fort Hays State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University.

Mr. McCarthy previously worked at Blue Valley High School, where he served for five years as a school psychologist and was appointed District Chairperson of the School Psychology Department. He later advanced into district-level leadership as a Special Education Administrator, where he oversaw the development and implementation of services supporting diverse student needs. In addition to his administrative roles, Mr. McCarthy has been active in athletics, serving as a high school golf coach for both boys’ and girls’ teams.

A veteran of the United States Army Military Police Corps, Mr. McCarthy is proud to serve in a district that honors and values military service and patriotism. He and his wife, Nikki—a veteran special education teacher of 27 years—have three grown children 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 Coordinator, 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 taught Business Education for 12 years before moving to administration at Derby High School. During his time teaching, he taught many business classes, including college credit courses and coached both DECA and Scholars Bowl. He has a wonderful wife, Elizabeth, who keeps him grounded and never lets him stay still for more than a few minutes. They have three awesome kids: Jayden, Henry, and Grace. As a family, they love to spend their time outdoors hiking, camping, and going for random walks.

Mr. Moseley will be starting his third year as an assistant principal at Derby High School and is looking forward to another year of working with the great staff, students and the community of Derby!

Some of his specific administrative duties at Derby High School include the following areas: senior discipline, senior IEPs/504s, teacher evaluations, event supervision, master schedule, Skyward, Pantherpawlooza, CTE building contact, college/career readiness and concurrent/dual credit contact.
 

Cheryl Parks just completed her 17th 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 third 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. 

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.