The School District of Washington has announced that current assistant principal Dr. Nicole Wilmes will serve as the Acting Interim Principal at Washington High School for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Wilmes joined Washington High School as an assistant principal in 2024 and has played an important role in supporting students, staff, and school operations. District leaders said her familiarity with the school community and commitment to Washington High School made her a natural choice to guide the building during the transition period while the district conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent principal for the 2027-28 school year.

Current WHS Principal Dr. Eric Turner recently accepted a position as principal at Affton High School.

“I am incredibly appreciative for the opportunity to serve as interim principal at Washington High School next year,” Wilmes said. “WHS is a special place because of the people, and I’m excited to continue building on the great things already happening throughout the school. I’m looking forward to continuing to support our students, staff and community.”

Shawn Wallace will remain in his role as assistant principal. Markie Lampkin recently was hired as assistant principal. Ben Strauser will be the principal at Washington Middle School.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Nicole Wilmes step into the role of Acting Interim Principal for the upcoming school year,” said School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart. “Since 2024, Dr. Wilmes has demonstrated a deep dedication to our students, staff, and school culture. Her familiarity with WHS, paired with the strategic administrative supports we have put in place, ensures a seamless and successful transition for the entire Blue Jay community.”

In preparation for the upcoming school year, the district is also implementing several strategic supports designed to strengthen daily operations and provide additional assistance for staff and students.

Among those changes is the addition of two activities supervisory positions to help assist with event management and extracurricular operations. District leaders said the move is intended to provide additional support for Washington High School’s activities programs while helping administrators manage the demands of school events and maintain strong administrative visibility at student activities.

The district will also utilize the support and expertise of several district administrators - Dr. Joe Dierks, Adam Fischer and Mary Kleekamp - to assist staff through feedback and evaluation processes during the school year.

District leadership noted that additional operational supports are also being reviewed to help ensure a successful year at WHS.

Dr. Nicole Wilmes