Meet the Principals
Mrs. Nicole Ruddick
Principal
Mrs. Nicole Ruddick is a 1989 graduate of Liberal R-II School District. After graduating from Liberal, she attended Pittsburg State University graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She began her education career for Liberal R-II as a 5th/6th grade Special Education
teacher. She continued her education at Pittsburg State University receiving a Master of Science degree in Special Education teaching in 2000, a master's of science degree in Educational Leadership in 2008 and her Specialist in Education degree in Advanced Studies in Leadership, General School Administration in 2020. Mrs. Ruddick also has an endorsement for ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages). She became the Middle School Principal in August of 2005 and then moved to the Middle/High School Principal starting in August of 2015.
Mrs. Ruddick holds several other positions for the Liberal R-II District. These positions are: Special Education Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, Wellness Coordinator, MELL Coordinator and ESL Coordinator.
Mrs. Ruddick is married to Jeremy Ruddick, whom is a 28th Judicial Circuit Juvenile Officer. They have one son, Cooper and two-family dogs. The Ruddick’s reside in Lamar, Mo.
Mrs. Rachel Miller
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Miller serves as assistant principal for grades six through twelve. She began teaching in the fall of 2000 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Missouri Southern State University. In December of 2003, she earned a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
Mrs. Miller has taught a variety of mathematics classes from sixth grade to college level. She has also coached and assisted with softball, coached middle school track, served on numerous committees, mentored new teachers, presided over the local Community Teacher’s Association and sponsored class activities.
Besides being assistant principal, Mrs. Miller also teaches 8th grade pre-algebra and dual credit classes through Crowder College. Mrs. Miller has been employed at Liberal Schools since 2005.
Mrs. Miller and her husband, Erik, are the parents of three children, Garrett, Delaney and Gunner. The Miller family has two dogs, Moose and Annie.
