Dr. Jackie Hottelman will join Fort Zumwalt’s district leadership team as the Assistant Superintendent for Special Services effective July 1, 2026. Hottelman, who has served as the principal at South Middle School since 2022, first joined the district as a 6th-grade math teacher there in 2015. She spent six years serving as assistant principal and then principal at Dardenne Elementary.
“I LOVE watching students have 'lightbulb' moments where they understand skills and see how to connect them to the real world,” she says. “It was a hard decision to make, deciding to leave the school setting. But the opportunity to find solutions for students at all age levels makes me really excited.”
In her new role, Hottelman will oversee Special Education, Early Childhood and Health services across the district. Her time in both the elementary and secondary setting provides her with a unique view of the full range of students she and her team serve.
“From Pre-K to 12th grade, and our post-secondary transitions students, I am passionate about being able to be a part of the bigger picture, supporting families and staff to help students of all ages get what they need to be successful in school,” Hottelman says.
Hottelman replaces Dr. Laura Smith, a veteran educator who has served children in St. Charles County for 34 years, both in Wentzville and Fort Zumwalt. She is retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. During Smith’s tenure, Fort Zumwalt has amplified an already proud tradition of building students as leaders. As a building administrator through that process, Hottelman prioritizes that work with each student.
“I’m very passionate about growing leadership skills in our students.” Hottelman says. “I am passionate about helping students build the confidence, competence, and leadership foundations that prepare them for success in school, in the workforce, and in life.” I will miss getting to see that individual student growth up-close in the school setting, but I am also looking forward to experiencing it at the district level, visiting students and staff in all of our schools and being a part of making it happen for all kids.”