USD 504 hires new staff for 2025-26 school year

James Dawson has been selected as superintendent of USD 504 Oswego. He has been an educator for 33 years and most recently served as Oswego Junior/Senior High School principal. He has a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Prior to being principal, he served as assistant superintendent at Quapaw Public Schools for six years and elementary principal for 16 years. He has also served as transportation, facilities and maintenance director, athletic director, and has been head coach of several different sports during his career.

He and his wife, Leslie, have been married 17 years and have a 13-year-old son, Asher.

Kali Swisher is the new grade six to 12 principal at Oswego Junior/ Senior High School. Kali previously served as the counselor at OJSHS for the last three years. She has been in education for seven years, serving in a variety of roles, including classroom support, coaching, teaching and counseling. Kali holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University and earned her endorsement in administrative leadership from Baker University.

She has been married to her husband, Russell, for 12 years and is a proud mom to Oliver (8) and Maxwell (5). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending her children’s activities and being involved in the community.

“As a graduate of Oswego High School, I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff and families at OJSHS in this new position.”

Tabitha Routh has been in education for 31 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University and her master’s degree in counseling from Missouri State University. For the past 22 years, she served as the high school counselor at Parsons High School.

See 504, Page 10.

This fall, Tabitha is stepping into a new role as the counselor at Oswego Junior/Senior High School. She is excited for the opportunity to support students through their academic and personal journeys and is looking forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and families in the Oswego community.

Tabitha has three amazing children: Hannah, 24; Zach, 22; and Karli, 20.

“I can’t wait to be a part of the Oswego Tribe, and I look forward to working with everyone and making this a fantastic year.”

Michelle Gifford is excited to join the business department at Oswego Junior/Senior High School in August.

“I look forward to teaching finance, computer and accounting courses,” she said.

She received a bachelor of science in business from Emporia State University, completed her secondary education certification and worked toward her master’s degree in vocational guidance counseling at Kansas State University.

“I have been a business teacher and FBLA sponsor for more than 20 years, teaching at schools in Manhattan, Salina and most recently in Lebo/Waverly. I also have experience working in the corporate sector in banking and accounting.

“I chose teaching as a profession because it allows me to use my strengths to help others find theirs. The part of teaching that I most enjoy is when a student experiences a sense of understanding and being able to do more than they thought possible of themselves. I was inspired by two of my high school teachers who challenged students to push themselves in all areas of life, to explore what they are truly capable of accomplishing and becoming.

“I encourage students to read all they can, explore many areas and fields of study, and develop their individual talents and strengths. Because the business and technology field is ever changing, I strive to emphasize the importance of becoming a life-long learner.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy going to concerts, walking, reading, gardening and spending time with my family and friends.”

She said she is looking forward to working with the teachers and staff at USD 504 and helping students develop the positive financial habits and knowledge they will need to succeed in their futures.

Jessica Ryan is going to be the new art teacher at Oswego Junior/ Senior High School (OJSHS). She has a degree in K-12 art from Kansas State University. She’s been in education 19 years. Her first year teaching was junior high photography in Lawrence. Then she moved to Southeast Kansas and taught K-12 art in St. Paul for nine years. For seven years, she was a specialist for the JAG-K program in the Parsons USD 503 followed by two years teaching elementary art.

Ryan lives in rural Altamont and is married to Mike Ryan. They have five children. Taylor is 28 and she is a captain in the Army, Noah is 23 and he is a lineman in Oklahoma, Abby is 21 and attending grad school at KSU, Luke is 20 and is in his second year at KU and Rylie is 17 and she is a senior in high school.

“Outside of teaching, I love photography and being outside. I am thrilled about the upcoming school year in Oswego, and I am really looking forward to teaching art! It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I am eager to get started.”

Madison Fowler said she is excited to be the elementary school counselor for both Neosho Heights and Service Valley. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pittsburg State University in December 2022, and she completed her master’s degree in school counseling from Pitt State in December 2024. With five years of experience in education, she’s worked as both a para educator and a special education teacher with SEK Interlocal.

“Outside of work, I love reading and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m so excited to start this new chapter with USD 504 and begin my journey as a counselor!”

Holly Palmer will be teaching pre-K this year. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in December with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. For the past few years, she has been working as a substitute teacher in Columbus while completing her degree, and she said she is so excited to now step into her own classroom.

She and her husband, Jonathan, have been married for 14 years and have three amazing children: Josiah (15), Jeremiah (14) and Aniah (8).

“When I’m not in the classroom, I love reading, crafting and going on family vacations.

“I can’t wait to meet my sweet littles and create a warm, welcoming classroom family where we grow, learn and laugh together each day. The early years of school are truly foundational, and I feel honored to be part of this important chapter in each child’s life and proud to be a part of the Indian Tribe!”

Tracey Elliott is a fifth grade teacher at Service Valley, teaching English and social studies. She was born in Oklahoma, raised in Texas and then raised her children in southern Louisiana before moving to Kansas in 2018. Elliott lives in Parsons with her daughter, Mary, and three dogs, one cat and a kitten. Her son, Will, lives in Joplin.

Elliott has a bachelor’s degree in history from Texas Woman’s University and completed alternative certification at Louisiana Christian University.

She has taught for 12 years, the most recent of which was four years at Parsons High School. Elliott’s number one hobby is reading, but she is also a quilter and mixed media artist. Elliott said she is excited to be joining the team at SVCA.