St. Paul Lutheran School hires new principal

FARMINGTON – St. Paul Lutheran School in Farmington will be welcoming a new principal this fall.

Board of Christian Education Chairwoman Heather Garner announced the hiring of Lori Flenner during the school’s annual dinner and benefit auction.

Flenner replaces Andy Sherrill, who accepted the position of principal at the new St. Paul Lutheran High School in Farmington.

“We’re thrilled to have Mrs. Flenner join the faculty,” said Garner. “She has an incredible background and will be a tremendous asset to St. Paul. She will also be the first female administrator in school history.”

Flenner comes to St. Paul from Concordia, Mo., where she is principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. She has served 34 years in both public and Lutheran education ministry. She holds degrees from Valparaiso, Butler and the University of Central Missouri. She also received the Colloquy from Concordia University-Irvine.

In the public sector, she opened resource rooms while teaching K-12, wrote curriculum standards in several school districts in Indiana and Missouri, and worked with Title 1 students in Florida. In her work with Lutheran schools she initiated congregation-sponsored early childhood programs in Missouri and Florida, serving as teacher, director, and head administrator. Flenner also served as teacher and principal at Christ Community Lutheran School in Naples, Fla. She serves as mentor in the Synod School Leadership program and on the Mission Board of the Missouri District.   

“I am excited to join your mission team at St. Paul and humbled by your blessing.” said Flenner. “I eagerly look forward to being in ministry partnership with the church and community.”

A native of Southeast Missouri, Flenner lived in Terre Du Lac before moving to St. Louis. Her husband, Keith, is a Thrivent Financial representative. The couple’s two children live in the state of Florida — Kate in Winter Park, and Brian in Naples.

Established in 1874, St. Paul Lutheran School is a National Lutheran School Accredited school. The 2012-2013 school year reached record enrollment with 248 students enrolled in kindergarten through 8th grade and 92 students enrolled in the early childhood program.