Meagan Ochoa will be the principal at Oakville Elementary School beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

The Mehlville School District Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Ochoa’s hiring in a closed session April 29. Several highly qualified candidates applied for the position, the district said, and both staff and parents provided feedback and assisted with interview panels.

Ochoa, the current assistant principal at Bierbaum Elementary, will succeed Kimberly Tooley, who has held the position for three years and is taking another district role. Ochoa takes over July 1.

“Mrs. Ochoa is resourceful, creative, solution-oriented, caring and honest,” Assistant Superintendent Jeff Bresler said in a news release. “She elevates those around her with her positive outlook and always keeps her focus on what is best for students. She’s passionate about building strong family and community relationships that benefit the school community.”

Prior to Ochoa’s leadership role at Bierbaum, she was an English Language Learning teacher at Wohlwend Elementary School, where she taught for 14 years. Ochoa is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University.

“I am honored to be named the next principal of Oakville Elementary School,” Ochoa said in the release. “I look forward to learning and growing together in an exceptional learning environment. Together, we will prepare the next generation to make a positive impact on our community and world. I can’t wait to begin this journey with the amazing students, staff and families of Oakville Elementary.”

Ochoa lives in Barnhart with her three children: Dylan, Victoria and Evelyn.