Home of the Timberwolves
Administration
Ms. Jennifer Smith, Principal
Jennifer Smith joined USD 232 in 2004 and served the district as a teacher, instructional coach, and associate principal at Mill Valley High School before joining Monticello Trails Middle School as principal in 2021. She is committed to fostering a positive school culture where students and staff are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Before joining USD 232, Ms. Smith taught English, speech, debate, and forensics at Gardner-Edgerton High School for eight years. She also served as an educational consultant with Greenbush and worked at the district level in the Shawnee Mission School District, supporting educators and instructional improvement.
Ms. Smith has a doctorate from the University of Arkansas, master's and educational specialist degrees in educational leadership from Pittsburg State University, and bachelor's degrees in English and secondary education from Kansas State University.
Outside of school, Ms. Smith enjoys spending time outdoors, cheering on the Kansas State Wildcats, and traveling to new places with family and friends.
Dr. Michael Burton, Associate Principal & Activities Director
Dr. Michael Burton joined USD 232 in 2026 as the associate principal at Monticello Trails Middle School. He is excited to partner with students, families, and staff to foster a positive school culture where every student feels valued and prepared for success.
Prior to joining USD 232, Dr. Burton served as the K–12 science curriculum lead for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Before that, he spent 18 years with Blue Valley Schools, serving as a secondary science curriculum lead, middle school instructional coach, elementary and middle school administrator, and middle school science teacher.
Dr. Burton earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Kansas and a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State University.
Outside of school, Dr. Burton enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, working on home improvement and woodworking projects, exploring local history and genealogy, and spending time outdoors.
Mrs. Mary King, School Improvement Specialist
Mary King joined USD 232 in 2021 as a pathways teacher at Monticello Trails Middle School. In 2022, she transitioned to Riverview Elementary where she served as the school improvement specialist before returning to Monticello Trails.
Mrs. King began her teaching career in 2006 in the Shawnee Mission School District at Indian Woods Middle School, teaching family and consumer sciences. During her 15 years as a FACS teacher, she was also a volleyball coach at Shawnee Mission West High School and Westridge Middle School, and served for five of those years as the varsity coach.