Mrs. Rhinehart is pictured with her husband and daughter.

Mrs. Sandra Rhinehart will be joining the Alma Schrader staff as the new principal for the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Rhinehart is a proven leader who is well-respected by families in our district. She comes to Alma Schrader from Cape Central Middle where she was the assistant principal. We are excited to see her promoted to a head principal position within our school district. To help our students and families get to know her a little better, take a moment to read the Q&A below. 

Congratulations, Mrs. Rhinehart! We are so proud of you!

Q: What can you tell us about your career path that brought you to your current role?  

A: I am starting my 22nd year in education. Before coming to CGPS, I taught for 14 years for Sikeston Public Schools. I taught 4th grade for my fist 11 years and spent my last three years in Sikeston as an Academic Coach. In 2015, I was given the wonderful opportunity to join the Cape Girardeau School district as an Assistant Principal at Central Middle School, where I spent the past 7 years. This year I get the honor and privilege of joining the Alma Schrader family as the new building principal.

Q: What or who inspired you to become an educator? 

A: First, I am grateful that I always had wonderful teachers and mentors growing up. When I look back on my elementary years, still to this day I can name every teacher I had and something special about each of them. I think it was that incredible experience along with the influence of educators in my own family that led me to also wanting to be "that" teacher that students would remember and be able to talk about way into their adult lives.

Q: Describe your leadership style. 

A:  I believe in shared leadership! Teacher leadership is so powerful and so valuable. I want everyone to feel like a valuable member of the team and to know that their voice counts and is heard!

Q: What do you love most about Cape Girardeau Public Schools?  

A: Tiger Pride!! Everywhere you go you feel the Tiger Pride and that to me is what I love most about being a Cape Tiger!

Q: What are your hobbies or interests away from school? 

A:  I love to travel, making memories with my family is a priority for me.

One last question. Would you share a favorite quote of yours?  

A: "Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."  Rita Pierson