News
![The image shows Dr. Ryan Johnson wearing a white shirt and tie, with the Francis Howell School District logo and the text "Dr. Ryan Johnson, Bryan Middle Principal" displayed prominently.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773086932/fhsdschoolsorg/uzcps2gmpdy96tjtxbxk/Ryan-Johnson-Bryan-Middle-School-news-story.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773086932/fhsdschoolsorg/uzcps2gmpdy96tjtxbxk/Ryan-Johnson-Bryan-Middle-School-news-story.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773086932/fhsdschoolsorg/uzcps2gmpdy96tjtxbxk/Ryan-Johnson-Bryan-Middle-School-news-story.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773086932/fhsdschoolsorg/uzcps2gmpdy96tjtxbxk/Ryan-Johnson-Bryan-Middle-School-news-story.png","width":872}])
The Francis Howell School District Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Ryan Johnson as the principal at Bryan Middle School for the 2026-27 school year.
![FHC Support staff employee of the year Samantha]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772749551/fhsdschoolsorg/f7ggo25h6zcd2bsc8hgt/FHC-Support-staff-employee-of-the-year-Samantha-Lytle-News-Story.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772749551/fhsdschoolsorg/f7ggo25h6zcd2bsc8hgt/FHC-Support-staff-employee-of-the-year-Samantha-Lytle-News-Story.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772749551/fhsdschoolsorg/f7ggo25h6zcd2bsc8hgt/FHC-Support-staff-employee-of-the-year-Samantha-Lytle-News-Story.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772749551/fhsdschoolsorg/f7ggo25h6zcd2bsc8hgt/FHC-Support-staff-employee-of-the-year-Samantha-Lytle-News-Story.png","width":872}])
Samantha Lytle, a site administrative assistant at Francis Howell Central High School, has been named the 2026 Support Staff Employee of the Year for the Francis Howell School District.
![The image features a vibrant, abstract background with swirls of color, including red, blue, and green hues. In the center, a logo for the Francis Howell School District is prominently displayed, indicating this is the focus of the image.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772745475/fhsdschoolsorg/m7j6iemwxbwfbdblrvhi/art-contest-News-Story.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772745475/fhsdschoolsorg/m7j6iemwxbwfbdblrvhi/art-contest-News-Story.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772745475/fhsdschoolsorg/m7j6iemwxbwfbdblrvhi/art-contest-News-Story.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772745475/fhsdschoolsorg/m7j6iemwxbwfbdblrvhi/art-contest-News-Story.png","width":872}])
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is hosting an art competition, inviting students and staff to participate.
![Francis Howell Central's Chrissy Lentz poses for a photo with a boquet after being named the district's 2025 Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772744999/fhsdschoolsorg/ql2ajldhefkd6kctgzzk/FHC-Teacher-of-the-Year-Chrissy.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772744999/fhsdschoolsorg/ql2ajldhefkd6kctgzzk/FHC-Teacher-of-the-Year-Chrissy.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772744999/fhsdschoolsorg/ql2ajldhefkd6kctgzzk/FHC-Teacher-of-the-Year-Chrissy.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772744999/fhsdschoolsorg/ql2ajldhefkd6kctgzzk/FHC-Teacher-of-the-Year-Chrissy.png","width":872}])
Chrissy Lentz, English language arts teacher at Francis Howell Central High School, has been named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year for the Francis Howell School District.
![Barnwell principal Dr. Thurston steps into district leadership role]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772726897/fhsdschoolsorg/om93cdfp7my7y0p3zjbe/DirectorofSecondaryEducation-ErinThurston.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772726897/fhsdschoolsorg/om93cdfp7my7y0p3zjbe/DirectorofSecondaryEducation-ErinThurston.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772726897/fhsdschoolsorg/om93cdfp7my7y0p3zjbe/DirectorofSecondaryEducation-ErinThurston.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772726897/fhsdschoolsorg/om93cdfp7my7y0p3zjbe/DirectorofSecondaryEducation-ErinThurston.png","width":872}])
The district named Dr. Erin Thurston its next director of secondary education, effective July 1. She currently serves as principal of Barnwell Middle School, a position she has held since 2024.
![Francis Howell High School's MAC Scholars read to students at John Weldon Elementary during Black History Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772228544/fhsdschoolsorg/hrbjwcahqxgqwn03vbm0/FHHS-Mac-Scholars-Reading-to-JWE-students-Black-History-News-Story-2.jpg","width":2200}])
Throughout February, schools across the Francis Howell School District celebrated Black History Month with meaningful learning experiences and engaging activities.
![The image displays the logo and text of "Proposition RT: Effect on School Finance" against the backdrop of a large building with the Francis Howell School District logo.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772468700/fhsdschoolsorg/n0lpnzkp5b5q5xxblmvg/PropRTSchoolFinance.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772468700/fhsdschoolsorg/n0lpnzkp5b5q5xxblmvg/PropRTSchoolFinance.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772468700/fhsdschoolsorg/n0lpnzkp5b5q5xxblmvg/PropRTSchoolFinance.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772468700/fhsdschoolsorg/n0lpnzkp5b5q5xxblmvg/PropRTSchoolFinance.png","width":872}])
Proposition RT is a St. Charles County ballot measure based on Senate Bill 3 - a state bill that could reshape how local property taxes work in Missouri. Prop RT would “freeze” property taxes on owner-occupied residential properties. This means that even as the value of a home rises over time, the owner would pay the same amount of property taxes on the property that they paid in 2024. Prop RT will appear on the April 7, 2026, ballot for St. Charles County voters.
![A blue St. Louis Blues mascot wearing a hockey helmet and jersey sits beside a smiling elementary student in a classroom while other children and adults watch and laugh in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772143067/fhsdschoolsorg/lojhs3ogixbrigo4jayt/blues-mascot-visits-Becky-David.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772143067/fhsdschoolsorg/lojhs3ogixbrigo4jayt/blues-mascot-visits-Becky-David.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772143067/fhsdschoolsorg/lojhs3ogixbrigo4jayt/blues-mascot-visits-Becky-David.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772143067/fhsdschoolsorg/lojhs3ogixbrigo4jayt/blues-mascot-visits-Becky-David.jpg","width":872}])
Students in the Essential Skills program at Becky-David Elementary School welcomed a special visitor earlier this month when Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot, stopped by for an in-house field trip.
![Eight-year-old Central Elementary student Kyleigh walks down the hallway after receiving a surprise trip from Make-A-Wish]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1771363119/fhsdschoolsorg/v1w1fbthjld8x6hcxifn/Kyleigh-Make-A-Wish-News-Story.jpg","width":2200}])
Eight-year-old Kyleigh, a student at Central Elementary, was surprised Thursday, Feb. 12, with a life-changing gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation — a trip to her native South Africa.
![Francis Howell Central’s esports team poses for a photo at the Feb. 19, 2026 Board of Education meeting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771601365/fhsdschoolsorg/jpiczjilqnjdltrssust/FHC-esports-News-story.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771601365/fhsdschoolsorg/jpiczjilqnjdltrssust/FHC-esports-News-story.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771601365/fhsdschoolsorg/jpiczjilqnjdltrssust/FHC-esports-News-story.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771601365/fhsdschoolsorg/jpiczjilqnjdltrssust/FHC-esports-News-story.png","width":872}])
For the second straight year, the Francis Howell Central esports Overwatch 2 team brought home a state championship. In addition to winning back-to-back Overwatch titles, the Spartans’ Valorant team captured a second championship at the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation (MSEF) Fall Brawl.
![FHSD Support Staff & Teachers of the Year 2026 against a collage of images in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770065817/fhsdschoolsorg/mdqejmxq1aiq4mk35hng/2026-TOY-SSOY-Announcement-NewsStory.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770065817/fhsdschoolsorg/mdqejmxq1aiq4mk35hng/2026-TOY-SSOY-Announcement-NewsStory.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770065817/fhsdschoolsorg/mdqejmxq1aiq4mk35hng/2026-TOY-SSOY-Announcement-NewsStory.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770065817/fhsdschoolsorg/mdqejmxq1aiq4mk35hng/2026-TOY-SSOY-Announcement-NewsStory.png","width":872}])
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) is excited to announce the winners of the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year awards for each of our 23 schools and 4 administrative facilities.
![Dr. Jeff Blankenship named Francis Howell Central High School principal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770155360/fhsdschoolsorg/ru626p7gvijhpbkqivya/FHCJeffreyBlankenship.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770155360/fhsdschoolsorg/ru626p7gvijhpbkqivya/FHCJeffreyBlankenship.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770155360/fhsdschoolsorg/ru626p7gvijhpbkqivya/FHCJeffreyBlankenship.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770155360/fhsdschoolsorg/ru626p7gvijhpbkqivya/FHCJeffreyBlankenship.png","width":872}])
The Francis Howell School District has named Dr. Jeffrey Blankenship principal of Francis Howell Central High School, effective the 2026-27 school year
![Seven Francis Howell School District citizens will be vying for three seats on the Board of Education in the April 4, 2023, e]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674600977/fhsdschoolsorg/xhuwbnercfsgwnvlnuqi/BoardofEducationCandidates-Election.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674600977/fhsdschoolsorg/xhuwbnercfsgwnvlnuqi/BoardofEducationCandidates-Election.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1674600977/fhsdschoolsorg/xhuwbnercfsgwnvlnuqi/BoardofEducationCandidates-Election.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674600977/fhsdschoolsorg/xhuwbnercfsgwnvlnuqi/BoardofEducationCandidates-Election.png","width":872}])
Board candidates for the April 7, 2026 school board election are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot. Bios are unedited and appear exactly as submitted by each candidate.
![Graphic that reads Healthy Minds, healthy schools and shows a young boy giving a woman a high five]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769634731/fhsdschoolsorg/sjirxszvinxrz5pn9tdr/NewsPostSize-FamilyLearningSeries.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769634731/fhsdschoolsorg/sjirxszvinxrz5pn9tdr/NewsPostSize-FamilyLearningSeries.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769634731/fhsdschoolsorg/sjirxszvinxrz5pn9tdr/NewsPostSize-FamilyLearningSeries.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769634731/fhsdschoolsorg/sjirxszvinxrz5pn9tdr/NewsPostSize-FamilyLearningSeries.png","width":872}])
The Francis Howell School District Inspire Team will host an event for families as part of the District’s Family Learning Series.
![Mrs. Koenig poses for a photo with Vincent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769205274/fhsdschoolsorg/umcysovyuxmewmhwfqj6/Koenig-performs-Heimlich.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769205274/fhsdschoolsorg/umcysovyuxmewmhwfqj6/Koenig-performs-Heimlich.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769205274/fhsdschoolsorg/umcysovyuxmewmhwfqj6/Koenig-performs-Heimlich.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769205274/fhsdschoolsorg/umcysovyuxmewmhwfqj6/Koenig-performs-Heimlich.png","width":872}])
A fourth-grade teacher at Central Elementary School in the Francis Howell School District used emergency training to save a student’s life during lunch this month.