USD 342 Announces New Secondary Principal
Launch the media gallery 1 playerMy name is Dr. Malcolm W. Birnell. I was born and raised in North Central Montana, where I developed a strong sense of resilience, service, and community. After graduating from high school, I chose to enlist in the United States Navy rather than pursue a track scholarship. Following my active-duty service, I continued serving in the Montana National Guard while earning my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Montana State University Northern.
I have dedicated more than 23 years to education, serving in a variety of roles including Health and Physical Education teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal. Throughout my career, I have coached multiple sports, including basketball, cross country, track, and swimming, and I have remained committed to developing student character, discipline, and academic success.
I earned my Master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2005. I later relocated to Arizona, where I continued to grow as a school leader in both athletic and administrative roles. In 2012, I transitioned briefly into the corporate sector, working as a recruiter and trainer for a major national retailer. That experience strengthened my skills in personnel development, training systems, and organizational leadership, but ultimately reaffirmed my passion for education.
I returned to the field and continued my professional growth, earning my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in 2019. After relocating to the Kansas City area in 2015 to be closer to family, I served as Dean of Students for six years and then as an Assistant Principal with Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. During that time, I led efforts to improve school culture, reduce student discipline incidents, and strengthen instructional systems.
In 2024, I became the Principal of Osawatomie High School, where I serve as the instructional and operational leader of the building. In this role, I focus on improving student achievement, strengthening staff effectiveness, and building a positive, inclusive school culture grounded in high expectations and strong relationships.
My work is driven by a deep commitment to student success, educational leadership, and making a lasting impact on the communities I serve. I am a proud husband to my wife Staci Birnell who is also been education for 26 years, and a father of four children—three sons and one daughter—and a grandfather to six grandchildren.