The new teachers and staff members at Fairfax R-3 are Aviree Roup, Nicole Avrett, Sam Terry, and Annamae Balaba. Not pictured are Andrea Meek-Gronquist and Krystan Hines.

 

Tony Osburn, Mike Brown, and Xochil Cantu are new to the halls of Rock Port R-II School this year.

 

School is now in session for the 2026-27 year and there are several new teachers and staff members greeting students as they enter the schools and classrooms in Fairfax and Rock Port each day.

FAIRFAX

Aviree Roup

Kindergarten Teacher

Aviree Roup of Mound City, Missouri, is the new Fairfax R-3 kindergarten teacher. Aviree graduated high school from Mound City and then went to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville and received a bachelor’s degree in early elementary education and a bachelor’s degree in early elementary special education. Before coming to Fairfax R-3, Aviree worked at Eugene Field school for one year.

Aviree’s goal for this school year is “to make learning exciting through hands-on activities while supporting each student’s individual needs, celebrating their growth, and helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.”

In her spare time, Aviree enjoys spending time with her family and friends, boyfriend Dylan, cat and two puppies! She also likes being outside and golfing.

Andrea Meek-Gronquist

Payroll and Benefits Admin.

Andrea Meek-Gronquist of Tarkio, Missouri, is the new Fairfax R-3 Payroll & Benefits Administrator. Andrea graduated from Tarkio High School.She attended Northwest Missouri State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. Before coming to Fairfax R-3, Andrea worked for the State of Missouri’s Family Support Division for a little over a year.

Andrea’s goals for the school year are to “continue to learn and grow within the district.”

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including husband, Jake, two daughters, Brynleigh and Brecklynn, two dogs, corgi Jay and blue heeler mix Gus, and two cats, Mahomes and Skye. When not attending her daughters’ sporting activities (swim, softball, volleyball, dance, cheer, basketball, and  track), Andrea likes to golf and go to the lake.

Sam Terry

Paraprofessional

Sam Terry of Maryville, Missouri, is the new Fairfax R-3 paraprofessional. She is also the assistant junior high and high school girls’ basketball coach. Sam attended Jefferson C-123 and St. Joseph Beauty University.

Sam’s goals for the school year are to  build relationships with staff and students and learn even more about the Fairfax community.

When not working, she enjoys dabbling in cosmetology.

Annamae Balaba

Science Teacher

Annamae Balaba is the science teacher at Fairfax R-3. She has been with the school district since last year, when she was hired after the first part of the year. Annamae received her Bachelor of Secondary Education in biology at Caraga State University in 2018. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in teaching science at Northern Mindanao State University in the Philippines. Before coming to Fairfax, Annamae taught at Prophet Elisha Christian Academy for two years and then spent four years at Bayugan National Comprehensive High School.

This school year, Mrs. Balaba’s goals are to grow not only as a science teacher, but also as a cultural exchange participant. “I want to create a positive and supportive classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and developing a genuine interest in science. As a J-1 teacher, I want to learn more about American culture, the U.S. education system, and different teaching practices. I look forward to learning from my students, colleagues, and the local community and using these experiences to broaden my perspective as an educator. At the same time, I want to share my own culture, scientific knowledge, teaching experiences, traditions, and perspectives with my students and colleagues. I hope to create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange where we can learn from one another, appreciate our differences, and recognize the similarities that connect us.”

When not teaching, Annamae enjoys spending time with her husband, Charlie Balaba, and children, Charlz Andy Balaba, 15, and Jewish Divine Balaba, 14, both students at Fairfax R-3. She also enjoys singing karaoke and baking.

Nicole Avrett

Elementary Paraprofessional

Nicole Avrett of Fairfax, Missouri, is the new elementary paraprofessional at Fairfax R-3.

Her goals for this school year are “to help my students succeed and reach their goals they have for the year! Helping them learn and grow is something I really enjoy helping them do!”

When not working, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, five children, Wyatt, Kelsey, Katie, Brody, and Kyler, and dog, Daisy. She also really enjoys watching her  children play sports and march in the band. She also enjoys spending time at home with her family and watching college football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes!

Krystan Hines

Elementary Custodian

Krystan Hines of Fairfax, Missouri, is the new elementary custodian at Fairfax R-3. She attended school at Hugoton, Kansas, and Tarkio, Missouri.

Her goals for the school year are to “keep the environment clean and safe for everyone.”

Krystan’s children are Caiden Hines, Esme Vogler, and Damin Vogler. Hobbies include diamond art, drawing, writing, and reading.

ROCK PORT

The new Rock Port Elementary teachers and staff were featured last week. New to the high school this year are the following:

Xochil Cantu

HS Paraprofessional

Xochil Cantu, Rock Port, Missouri, is the new paraprofessional in the life skills classroom at the high school. She just moved to Rock Port this past January. She previously worked in property management in Tulsa,  Oklahoma.

Her goals for the school year are “to survive on coffee, keep learning and growing with my students, make lots of memories, and most importantly, make a positive difference in my students’ days. Of course while having fun along the way!”

Family is definitely the favorite part of her life! She has been married for 15 years and has three amazing children! Hobbies include spending time with her family, baking and decorating sweets, music, coffee, and most of all – laughing and having fun with the people she loves!

Tony Osburn

Dual Credit/I.S.S. Proctor

Tony Osburn of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new dual credit/I.S.S. proctor at Rock Port High School. Tony attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha and earned his degree in business management. This is his first job. Tony’s goals for the year are to have fun and make a positive impact on his students.

When not working, Tony enjoys spending time with his dog, Willow, and watching sports and playing golf.

Mike Brown

HS Language Arts Teacher

Mike Brown of Maryville, Missouri, is the new high school language arts teacher at Rock Port R-II School. He is also the speech and debate coach, the high school scholar bowl coach, and junior class sponsor. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in speech/theatre at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville and earned his English and social studies teaching certificates. He is currently in the process of earning his Master of Arts Degree in theatre from East Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas. Before coming to Rock Port, Mike worked at Omaha North High School, Maryville High School, Benton High School, and Odessa High School.

Mr. Brown’s goals for the school year are to build relationships with the students, staff, and local community and to help the students build their language skills.

When not teaching, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their three children, Faith, Riley, and Xander, a beagle, and three cats. He enjoys watching Xander play rugby for the University of Northern Iowa. He also enjoys watching movies with his wife and playing various tabletop games.