What’s up Lancer Nation! My name is Wes Leach and I am going to be teaching Physical Education, Health, and Great Outdoors at the Middle School this year! 

I grew up in Linn County Kansas where I attended Prairie View and Jayhawk-Linn Schools. I was very lucky to have such a strong support system in both of those places which later on led me to choosing education as a career! After graduating high school I went on to receive my Bachelors of Science in Physical Education at Pittsburg State University (GO-rillas!!!). I live in Pittsburg, KS with my Fiancé, Tree, and our two dogs Kona and Ivy. We are excited to be a part of this great place full of great people!

My name is Jillian Elliott. I have been teaching for 7 years with the last 6 at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas. I graduated from Missouri Southern State University in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education emphasizing Political Science. Then in May 2020, I graduated from Emporia State University with a Master of Art in History with an education concentration focusing on American History and Political Science. Over my teaching career I have taught World History, Concurrent Credit American History, and Concurrent Credit Government, as well as Geography and Current Events.

My husband and I just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary in June. We have two children. One is a junior this year and the other is just starting high school as a freshman. We enjoy camping at the local lakes, our annual family hunting trip, and as much fishing as we can. We are excited to move back to the area. I look forward to working at Southeast and getting to know the kids and their families.

My name is Julie Jones. Having been born and raised in SEK, I am so happy to be back home after 13 years of teaching and coaching out at El Dorado High School. Because a plethora of my own family graduated from USD 247, I’m incredibly excited to don the blue and white and start #LivingtheLancerLife. I received my BS in English Education from PSU and my MS in Creative Writing from SNHU. That’s why it comes as no surprise that I enjoy reading and writing, but I also like to stay active with sports and hiking.  

My name is John White and I will be teaching Woods and Construction classes at the high school. I am married to Maya White who also teaches at the high school. My three kids Eliz, Elena and Xavier all go to school in our district as well. I’m entering into my 18th year as an educator and I’m excited to finally be teaching at Southeast! I have lived in Cherokee for almost 20 years now and I am very excited to be able to serve my own community. 

My name is Dustin Wheeler and I will be the new Business Manager and Transportation Director. I graduated from PSU with a degree in Accounting in 2008 and have spent the last 15 years in the agricultural
industries. I have lived in Cherokee for the last 14 years and am looking forward to working in the district. I am married to my beautiful, wonderful wife Margaret. I am father to two children who adore me and love me with all their hearts. Corbin who is a 6th grader and Addison who is a 3rd grader.