William Reece will be the new Hillsboro High School principal for next school year.
The Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education voted unanimously during a Dec. 18 closed meeting to promote Reece to the position.
He will take over as principal on July 1, succeeding Mark Groner, who will retire at the end of this school year.
Reece joined the Hillsboro School District in 2023 as an assistant principal at Hillsboro High School and the Learning Center. His current annual salary as an assistant principal is $93,992 and his anticipated salary as principal will be $120,307. Mark Groner’s salary this school year is $134,318, according to district officials.
Superintendent Jon Isaacson said the high school principal job is one of the most challenging leadership roles in any school district, adding that Reece is right for the position.
“It requires a steady and visible presence, high expectations, follow-through, and a deep respect for the culture of the building,” Isaacson said. “Over the past three years, Mr. Reece has consistently demonstrated those qualities. He listens, takes action and maintains strong relationships with students and staff.”
Isaacson said Reece earned the trust and respect of the community by balancing accountability with care and continuity.
“He understands what makes Hillsboro High School a special place and is committed to honoring that culture while continuing to move the building forward,” Isaacson said.
District spokesperson Patrick Quinn said seven people applied for the position.
Quinn also said the high school staff members were surveyed to identify their needs and wants.
“An interview committee at the high school building level did the first round of interviews with candidates,” he said. “The second round of interviews was with the central office administration.”
Reece began his career in education in 2014 as a social studies teacher and coach in the Dunklin R-5 School District. He later taught social studies in the Festus R-6 School District from 2017-2023 before joining Hillsboro R-3 as an assistant principal.
He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeast Missouri State University, a bachelor’s degree in social science and secondary education from Missouri Baptist University and an associate degree from Jefferson College. Beginning in 2026, he will pursue a specialist degree in educational administration from Southeast Missouri State University.
Reece said he is honored to get the chance to lead Hillsboro High School.
“Hillsboro is a special place. I love the small-town feel. My days are filled with great conversations with our students and staff,” he said. “I am proud of the opportunities that our students have at Hillsboro. We strive to provide avenues for all students. Our community takes pride in our school district.”
Reece is a 2004 Herculaneum High School graduate. He and his wife, Laura, live in Festus and have four daughters: Katelyn, Leah, Joanna and Emma.