April Hawkins
Principal
Dr. April Hawkins has been honored to have served the community as principal of Branson’s Buchanan Elementary (K-3) since 2016 and currently serves as an adjunct professor for Evangel University in the Branson-Evangel Learning Cohort, Master’s Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to serving as principal in Branson, Dr. Hawkins served as principal for Nixa Public Schools (Inman Intermediate) for 11 years working with learners at the fifth and sixth grade level and overseeing the district’s K-6 gifted program. During her time at Nixa, she also served as an adjunct professor for Missouri State University, teaching a variety of Master’s and Specialist courses in Education Administration for upcoming elementary and secondary principals.
Prior to her stint at Nixa, Dr. Hawkins served five years as the principal/athletic director of Kirbyville Middle School where she also coached both their Pee Wee and Junior High Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams. Before serving as a school principal, she was a teacher at both Forsyth Middle and High School and served as their Varsity Girls’ Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball Coach.
Dr. Hawkins earned her Bachelor’s Degree from College of the Ozarks as a two-sport collegiate athlete (Basketball & Volleyball) where she double Majored in Secondary Education and Physical Education and also holds a certification in science. She then earned her Master’s of Science Degree in Secondary Educational Administration from Missouri State University with the Middle School Administration Endorsement. Dr. Hawkins went on to earn her doctorate from the University of Missouri in Columbia in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Since achieving her doctorate, she has completed certifications for Elementary Principalship and Superintendency, is a member of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
Dr. Hawkins has been a proud Branson resident for over 20 years and has enjoyed coaching her children in a variety of community, regional, and club athletic teams. Her children, Alli Hawkins- a 2020 graduate of Branson High School and currently participates as a collegiate volleyball player for Bluefield College in Bluefield Virginia, and her twins- Jake and Kamber, will be Branson seniors, 21-22. Dr. Hawkins has been married to her husband Jeff for 24 years, Jeff serves as the Deputy Chief of Taney County Ambulance District.
Jared Howerton
Assistant Principal
Mr. Jared Howerton has served as assistant principal at Buchanan Elementary since 2019. He spent 8 years in the classroom as a physical education teacher at Cedar Ridge Intermediate School in Branson, MO. Mr. Howerton has a Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks. He received a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.
Mr. Howerton is a member of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).