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Board of Education approves the hiring of two Mehlville High School administrators

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The Mehlville Board of Education approved the hiring of two Mehlville High School administrators at its March 12, 2026, meeting. Abby Makowsky will serve as Principal for the 2026-2027 school year, while Tom Harper will serve as the Director of Athletics and Activities.

A headshot of Abby Makowsky

Abby Makowsky
Principal, Mehlville High School

Makowsky has served as an Assistant Principal at Mehlville High School since 2023. She previously taught social studies and government for more than six years at Mehlville High School and Capital City High School in Jefferson City. She has served as a department chair and a Mehlville Summer Session principal.

“Ms. Makowsky has played an integral role in the implementation of many of the programs and initiatives introduced at Mehlville High School over the past few years,” said Dr. Jeff Haug, Superintendent of Schools. “She has championed our efforts to improve academic achievement and student engagement. Her move to the principal role will allow students and staff to continue to build on their successes.”

Makowsky has a Master of Education in Administration and Leadership from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Missouri.

“As a proud Panther, I am incredibly excited to step into this new role as the Mehlville High School principal,” Makowsky said. “ Serving our staff, students, and community over the past four years has been a privilege,  and I am eager to continue our journey together.”

Makowsky will begin serving as principal on July 1, 2026.

A headshot of Tom Harper

Tom Harper
Director of Athletics and Activities, Mehlville High School

Harper has spent all 27 years of his career working as an English language arts teacher at Mehlville High School. In 2024, he was named the Mehlville School District Teacher of the Year and a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Harper spent 17 years as the head boys soccer coach, tallying 7 district championships, 7 trips to the state quarterfinals, and one appearance in the final four. He has also coached the girls soccer and basketball teams.

“Mr. Harper is a true lifelong Panther, having attended Mehlville High School as a student and spending nearly three decades in MHS classrooms,” Dr. Haug said. “His passion for Mehlville High School will be instrumental in ensuring students excel in clubs, activities and sports in this new role.”

Harper is a Mehlville High School alum. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.

“I am truly honored to step into this new role at Mehlville High School, especially as an alumnus of this district,” Harper said. “After 27 years of teaching and coaching, my passion for supporting our students’ growth both on the field and in their extracurricular pursuits has only grown stronger.”

Harper will begin serving in this new role on July 1, 2026. He is replacing Dr. Tim Champion, who is retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.