The Southern Boone County R-I School District has announced that Dr. Ashley Tanksley, current assistant principal at Southern Boone Elementary School, will transition to serve as assistant principal at Southern Boone Middle School beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
Dr. Tanksley has served in her role at the elementary level for eight years. Prior to joining Southern Boone, she served as assistant principal at Southeast Elementary in the Sikeston R-6 School District from 2013 to 2017. She also taught sixth and seventh grade language arts at Lange Middle School in Columbia Public Schools and was a 6th grade classroom teacher at Central Middle School in Cape Girardeau Public Schools.
Tanksley said she is excited about the opportunity to continue serving Southern Boone students and families in her new role at the middle school.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work with the students, staff and families at Southern Boone Middle School,” said Dr. Tanksley. “While I will miss the elementary school community, I look forward to supporting students as they grow academically and personally during their middle school years. Southern Boone is a special place, and I am grateful to continue serving our district in this new capacity.”
Southern Boone Middle School Principal Dr. Dawn Day said she looks forward to welcoming Tanksley to the school’s leadership team.
“Tanksley brings strong leadership experience, a positive mindset and a commitment to supporting student success,” said Dr. Day. “Her ability to build relationships with students, staff and families will be a great addition to our school. We are excited to welcome her to the Southern Boone Middle School team.”
Dr. Tanksley holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, as well as an Educational Specialist degree and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She also holds Missouri certifications in early childhood education, elementary education, middle school language arts and K-8 principal.
Tanksley said she looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships within the Southern Boone community in her new role.
“Middle school is such an important time for students as they develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging,” said Dr. Tanksley. “I am excited to support our students and staff as we work together to create a positive, engaging learning environment where every student can succeed.”
Dr. Tanksley and her family reside in Ashland and are proud to be part of the Southern Boone community. Her husband, BJ, and their two children — a daughter who attends Southern Boone High School and a son who attends Southern Boone Middle School — have been part of Southern Boone Schools since the primary level. The family enjoys spending weekends supporting their children’s activities and staying involved in the community.
Dr. Tanksley will begin her role as assistant principal at Southern Boone Middle School on July 1st, 2026, following the recent resignation of Assistant Principal Dr. Alex Fields.