PRESS RELEASE
ROLLA 31 SCHOOL DISTRICT
FEBRUARY 23, 2024
MR. JOE CROSS NAMED PRINCIPAL OF MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY

The Rolla Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Joe Cross as the next Principal of Mark Twain Elementary, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Cross will be assuming the position formerly held by Mr. Matt Fridley, who will retire at the end of June.

Mr. Cross began his career in education as a First-Grade Teacher at Wiener Elementary School, Arkansas, in 2012. He then moved to Rolla and worked as a First-Grade Teacher at Mark Twain Elementary from 2014 - 2018. His work as a school administrator commenced in Cuba, MO, where Mr. Cross served as the Cuba Elementary Assistant Principal (2018) and Principal (2019 - present). Cross holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas State University, and a Master’s of Education and Ed. Specialist Degree in Elementary Administration from William Woods University, and a principal certification for K-8 schools.

Mr. Cross is married to his wife Krista of almost 7 years, a Second-Grade Teacher at Truman Elementary, and they have two children; Jackson and Macy. Outside of school, he enjoys fantasy football, watching sports, and spending time with his family. When asked to comment on his upcoming move to Mark Twain Elementary he said, “‘I’m so excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to return to a place I love and serve as a leader and positive role model for students and staff.”