Lora Hopper, principal of Springfield's York Elementary, to retire after 40 years

Lora Hopper, the beloved principal of Springfield's York Elementary School, announced plans to retire at the end of her 40th year in public education.

She will work through June 30, completing a ninth year at York. She has spent the past 28 years in Springfield, where she grew up.

Hopper, age 70, broke the news to York teachers and staff late Thursday.

"It was so hard," she said Friday. "But I know that they are a strong staff and I know that we are going to finish out the year strong and on point, doing what we do."

What Hopper has done at York is provide a steady hand for the neighborhood school in west-central Springfield, where nearly nine out of every 10 students qualify for free and reduced price meals, a national measure of poverty.

The experienced educator is known for her relentless focus on student achievement — and for getting results.

"Lora knows her teachers well. She knows her staff well," said Jason "J" Anderson, the district's executive director of elementary learning. "And she also knows her students, where they are and what they are capable of."

York has repeatedly garnered attention for gains in reading and math that outpace peer schools with similar demographics and, at times, post scores that outshine more affluent schools in Springfield.

"One of the best characteristics of Lora is that she plans for success. She knows that teaching and learning — there are some times it happens serendipitously," Anderson said. "However, for time-honored learning and connections, that systemic and intentional planning for success is key."

Hopper has been quick to deflect credit toward her team and claim the secret to York's success is not a a secret at all.

She has said, over the years, that the formula is relatively simple: recruit and support teachers with high expectations; set individual academic goals with each student; track students' progress and make adjustments when needed; and partner closely with parents.

"We've done that as a team," Hopper said. "And the more you see success the more you love to see success."

In addition to inviting parents to school events, York has hosted family literacy and math nights with take-home books and supplies.

"She understands that ... nobody knows how a student is going to learn better than their parents," Anderson said.

He described Hopper's message to parents as: "We need you, we want you so come join hands with us as we focus upon the further development of your kid in terms of school success."

Anderson said Hopper is a "passionate leader" and a constant learner looking for ways to improve quality instruction and better support students and staff.

"She is always putting the new learning against the context of her experience," he said.

'God was directing my path'

Hopper is a 1969 graduate of Springfield's Central High School and decided early on to pursue a career in public education.

"I feel God was directing my path," she recalled. "I just had such a passion for these kids and I knew there was a way for them to grow stronger and bolder in their learning."

Her first job was in the Sparta district. "I started teaching reading, as an intervention, for students that were struggling. And so it's been on my heart at least since that time."

Two years later, she moved to Seymour. She spent seven years in the classroom before moving into administration, as a principal and coordinator for the federal Title I program, which provides extra resources for schools where a majority of families struggle to make ends meet.

In 1995, Hopper accepted the job of Title I coordinator in the Springfield district. She has a doctorate from Saint Louis University.

Later, she spent 10 years as principal of Portland Elementary before moving to York nine years ago.

One of her first priorities was to improve classroom management and address student behavior issues.

"The best asset we have at York would be the teachers that want to make a difference and the parents who are so supportive of us and the things we do," Hopper said. "The community supports their school."

The teamwork approach helped the school make much-needed academic gains.

"They didn't want to be where they were when I came in and I didn't want them to be where they were," she said. "We're the phoenix that arises from the ashes and we're doing well and I want that to continue."

'New building and a new principal'

The York school on West Nichols Street, the center of its neighborhood, is in a period of transition.

Less than a year ago, the York building constructed in 1911 — and added onto over the years — was demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art building with a storm shelter, upgraded safety and access, and more room to host families.

The nearly $20 million project, paid for by the bond issue approved by voters in 2019, is under construction on the same property.

Temporarily displaced, York teachers and students are set up at a former school located a the corner of Sunshine Street and Scenic Avenue.

The new school is expected to be complete by the end of 2022, in the middle of the next school year.

From July 2021: Past, future mission of Springfield's York Elementary touted at groundbreaking

"It's a perfect time to have someone take over," Hopper said. "A new building and a new principal."

The York job opening was posted Friday. Anderson said she will be tough to replace.

"There is not another Lora Hopper and there shouldn't be," he said. "There should be another leader that can identify the same characteristics and traits that we know have worked and are effective."

Hopper said she hopes the next principal will allow her to serve as a resource. "I have a strong desire to help ... to continue to support this community."

Other than spend time with family, Hopper does not yet know what the future holds.

She and husband Dan, a residential builder, will take a belated 50th anniversary trip to England.

They have two children who are attorneys. Rachel Fortenberry is in Springfield and Greg practices in Washington D.C. They have three grandchildren and are the guardians of a niece, who is in middle school.

Hopper, eligible to retire years ago, gave her notice but with a heavy heart.

"I have so loved coming to school each morning with the desire to make a difference in the lives of SPS students, SPS staff and the SPS community," she wrote in her March 1 retirement letter.

Over a 40-year career, Hopper estimates she has "served or provided services for about 19,495 students."

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield elementary principal Lora Hopper to retire after 40 years