Dr. Alan Downing will be the principal for the new Ray-Pec Ninth Grade Center, which is scheduled to open in August 2023. The Ninth Grade Center is under construction on M-58 adjacent to Ray-Pec East Middle School.
Downing is currently a Math Instructional Coach for secondary schools in the district. Previously, he was a math teacher from 2008 to 2019 at Ray-Pec High School.
Dr. Al Voelker, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, said that Dr. Downing is well-respected by staff and will be a tremendous principal.
"He is collaborative in nature and will work well with staff, students, and members of the community," Voelker said.
Downing is excited about the opportunity to open the new Ninth Grade Center.
"I've been a freshman teacher for most of my career, and I know how important this time is in the lives of our students," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with the ninth grade center team to create an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported."
Downing received his bachelor of science in education in secondary mathematics from the University of Missouri. In 2014, he received his master's degree in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. In 2018, he received his doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University.
Downing and his wife, Becca, live in Raymore, with their children, Chase, 4, and Remy, 1.