PCR-3 welcomes the following new administrators and appointments to the District leadership team.
Dr. Jessica Dain - Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Jessica Dain currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Kansas City Piper USD 203, where she has focused on building trust, creating alignment across schools and departments, and strengthening systems that support both student learning and staff success through meaningful, real-world experiences from early childhood through graduation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Dain has led with an emphasis on coherence, clarity of expectations, and shared accountability, ensuring that district initiatives are purposeful, connected, and sustainable. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to bring people together around common goals while maintaining high standards for performance and growth.
Dr. Dain holds a doctorate from Saint Louis University, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University. She looks forward to serving the district in this role by partnering with students, staff, families, and community partners to advance consistent, student-centered practices that support success for all.
Dr. Drew White will begin serving as our District's next Superintendent in the 2026-27 school year, following Dr. Jay Harris's retirement in June 2026.
Dr. Hawar Khalandi - Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Dr. Hawar Khalandi will serve as our next Executive Director of Teaching & Learning. Since 2024, Dr. Khalandi has led our work as Director of College and Career Readiness, championing opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school.
Dr. Khalandi brings more than a decade of classroom experience teaching science, followed by building-level leadership as an assistant principal before joining PCR-3 in 2024. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and was recognized as the Greater Kansas City Assistant Principal of the Year for 2022-23. Across her leadership experiences, Dr. Khalandi has remained focused on preparing students for success beyond graduation. From implementing SchooLinks and designing Programs of Study to expanding real-world learning experiences such as CCR Day, BizTown, mock interviews, and Reality Check, she has worked to ensure students are equipped to pursue their unique futures. We are confident her leadership will continue to strengthen our systems of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and student support across our District.
Dr. Aaron Duff - Director of College & Career Readiness
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Dr. Aaron Duff will assume the role of Director of College and Career Readiness. As the District’s first Director of Secondary Education, he has served in district-level leadership for the past decade, following his work as a high school English Language Arts teacher. Dr. Duff holds degrees in Literature, Education, and Leadership and is deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for students, staff, and families alike. In this new role, he will continue strengthening the connection between academic frameworks, College and Career Readiness, and Real World Learning, building clear, cohesive pathways for students from early learning and exposure through postsecondary planning. Dr. Duff is proud to be a Pirate and looks forward to expanding this work across PreK through 21 in support of every learner’s future success.
Robert Mueller - Director of Secondary Education
Robert Mueller will transition into the role of Director of Secondary Education. Mr. Mueller has served as Assistant Principal at Platte City Middle School since 2014, where he has demonstrated student-centered leadership focused on supporting educators and high quality instruction and fostering a positive, healthy school culture. Prior to his time at PCMS, he served for seven years as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Atchison Public Schools. Mr. Mueller looks forward to applying his experience in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and collaborative leadership to support our secondary schools and strengthen systems that continue to improve student achievement and learner experiences.
Dr. Leah Roesgen - Director of Elementary Education
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Dr. Leah Roesgen will serve as Director of Elementary Education starting with the 2026-27 school year, following Dr. Jennifer McClure's retirement. She brings experience as a teacher, assistant principal, adjunct instructor, and most recently as an elementary principal in the North Kansas City School District. Leah received her Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis, Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Central Missouri, Education Specialist in Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University. Leah’s blend of classroom and building leadership positions her to lead with collaboration, instructional focus, and measurable impact. Leah is passionate about ensuring every student receives high-quality, authentic learning experiences.
Tim Leffert - Director of Student Services
Tim Leffert will serve as Director of Student Services starting with the 2026-27 school year, following Dr. Chad Sayre's retirement. Mr. Leffert brings more than 15 years of experience in student-centered leadership, systems development, and whole-child support. Most recently Mr. Leffert has served as principal of Piper Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas, and previously served in building leadership roles in both the Topeka and Lawrence Public School systems. Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Washburn University and master’s degrees from both the University of Kansas and Emporia State University. Tim holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in second language acquisition and educational leadership. Mr. Leffert is committed to building systems that ensure every student is supported, connected, and positioned for success.