Administration

Lisa Pierce

I am a passionate and dedicated educator with 16 years of experience in education. I hold a MS in Education Leadership from Kansas State University and a BS in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of students, I have taught 1st/2nd grade looping, 5th grade, and 6th grade. My teaching philosophy centers around creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. I started my administration career as an assistant principal and have now been the head principal of Atchison Elementary School for the last 3 years. I have an unwavering commitment to empowering students and shaping young minds. I will continue to inspire and motivate the next generation of learners.

Andrea Coppinger

Primary Associate Principal
Email Andrea Coppinger

I am entering my eighteenth year in education and am incredibly honored to begin my fourth year as Associate Principal at Atchison Elementary School. I am a passionate educator dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community members. I am committed to creating a challenging learning environment and believe in setting high expectations for all students to promote student and academic growth and success. I have gained valuable experience as a classroom teacher for the past 14 years with the Fort Leavenworth and Pleasant Ridge School Districts, teaching second grade and fifth grade at the elementary level and math at the middle school level. I received a Master of Arts in School Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Benedictine College in Atchison and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. Throughout my career, I have served on numerous leadership committees including District Leadership Team, Building Leadership Team, and Instructional Support Team. I have been involved in numerous coaching and volunteer opportunities and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in roles such as volleyball coach, student council sponsor, and religious education teacher. My husband and I have two children and reside in rural Jefferson County where we are actively involved in 4-H and enjoy spending time outdoors.

Janis Olds

I am so excited to begin my leadership journey at Atchison Elementary School. My philosophy is that strong relationships with parents, students, and other stakeholders is essential if schools want to create an inclusive learning environment that is conducive to the learning needs of all students. I believe all students should be held to high expectations and deserve a high-quality education that leads to academic success, growth and gain the skills needed to succeed in life beyond school. My classroom experience in the Kansas City, KS and Fort Leavenworth school districts has been invaluable. I have taught K-5 Math Intervention, 3 rd grade, 1 st grade, and K-6 special education. I have 2 years of experience as a special education instructional coach. I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Family Studies and Human Services, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern College in Elementary Education, and a Master of Arts from the University of St. Mary’s in special education. I am currently working on my doctorate degree through Baker University in Educational Leadership. My career has provided me with many opportunities to participate in committees. I have served on the Student Improvement Team, Building Leadership Team, Math Cadre, and Team Lead. My husband and I have a blended family and between the two of us have 5 children. We are also the proud grandparents of two granddaughters. We are both dog lovers and have a few four-legged children as well. Again, I am looking forward to joining the Atchison Elementary School family