Owensville Elementary’s Sassmann named principal of Linn middle, high schools

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 7/13/22

LINN — New Linn High School/Middle School Principal Erin Sassmann is happy to join the school, especially since it’s close to home.

“I’m fortunate that this position is …

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Owensville Elementary’s Sassmann named principal of Linn middle, high schools

Posted

LINN — New Linn High School/Middle School Principal Erin Sassmann is happy to join the school, especially since it’s close to home.

“I’m fortunate that this position is just 30 minutes from the family farm,” said Sassmann, who was hired at the last R-2 board meeting. “My passion is teaching in rural schools. That is where I was raised and I have enjoyed teaching for 17 years.”

Sassmann grew up and still lives in Owensville, and after earning her degree from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, she entered the profession in 2005 as a middle school choral director.

“I wanted to pursue a career in education, but music wasn’t my first choice,” said Sassmann. “I took music on as a minor because it is something I have always enjoyed.”

Sassmann spent one year at the middle school before moving to elementary music. She then taught third grade for the next six years, and since the 2015-16 school year, Sassmann has served as the elementary music teacher.

Sassmann started an after-school choir and was its director for seven years, with about 80 students singing at community events.

“That has been a lot of fun and very rewarding,” said Sassmann, who was named the Owensville Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year in 2015.

Additionally, Sassmann was sponsor of the Owensville High School Color Guard for a year, head of the Missouri Day Committee for five years, volunteer and president of the school PTA for six years, and founder and leader of the Owensville Community Trunk or Treat and Night Out With Santa. She also has served as the Gasconade County Fair Association Queen Contest Committee chairperson and is a former Alumni Association board member. Sassmann is also a 4-H leader.

While this is her first move to an administrative position, Sassmann said she has long held a desire to move into the field.

“During my first music job, I completed my degree in administration in 2007, but I didn’t do anything with it until about a year ago,” said Sassmann. “I started to feel a pull toward becoming a principal, so I got certified.”

As the 2021-22 school year neared a close this spring, Sassmann didn’t think there was much chance of finding a job for the upcoming school year.

“I had applied at several schools before then, but I had given up on the idea because I figured everyone who needed a principal already had one,” said Sassmann. “One day, I got the urge to check job listings and took a chance. I saw the position at Linn was open.”

Finding a school in need so close to her home was something of a miracle, and when offered the job, Sassmann did not hesitate.

“I love the small-town feel,” she said. “Linn has small class sizes, which allows for more specialized attention, and good test scores show that approach is working well. I’m pleased that the school board sees the value of keeping classes smaller instead of cutting teachers.”

Sassmann intends to advocate for teachers.

“I can’t wait to meet them and get their input on what has worked and what needs to be improved,” she said. “I want to support teachers and make sure they have what they need to succeed. More has been piled on teachers across the nation than they should have to handle. Many teachers are not being valued, and I want Linn to be different. I want our teachers to know how important they are to students, the district, and the community.”

Though she plans to gather input, Sassmann said she does not intend to make any significant changes.

“I want to see how the school year unfolds and then worry about tweaking things,” she added.

In researching Linn R-2, Sassmann said she is pleased with the test scores and will look for ways to help the district continue to improve.

She is also excited about the upcoming football season.

“I love Friday nights at Owensville,” Sassmann said. “It’s a huge thing, and I hope it will be as big in Linn. I love athletics, the arts and FFA. I want to see all of our programs do well.”

Erin and her husband of 15 years come October, Cody, have two sons, Tucker, 12, and Brett, 8.

Sassmann will officially begin her duties at Linn R-2 on Aug. 1, and Superintendent Bobby James is pleased to welcome her to the district.

“I’m excited to complete the Wildcat team going into the 2022-23 school year,” he said. “Mrs. Sassmann is a great addition. She will undoubtedly contribute to an outstanding school experience for our students, an excellent work culture, and continued improvement — in and out of the classroom. 

“Ms. Sassmann’s broad leadership experience at every level of education and her servant leadership within the community will undoubtedly benefit Linn Wildcat students district-wide and we are excited to have her,” James added. “Her skills in strategic thinking, planning, organization, and quality instructional improvement will undoubtedly compliment the positive improvement momentum in recent years. She, and the team, cannot wait to begin planning for a great school year.”