Hollis retires as Bakersfield Elem. principal; Hayes named successor

Bakersfield School District announced that Melissa Hayes will be stepping into the elementary principal role for the 2026-27 school year, filling a vacancy left by longtime educator, Brian Hollis, who announced his retirement from the district after 15 years serving as elementary principal and 13 years in the elementary classroom.

Hollis has dedicated nearly three decades to Bakersfield students and the community, and the district expressed its appreciation for his years of service. During his tenure as principal, Hollis played an instrumental role in campus safety and security, as well as providing thorough training for elementary teachers in the science of reading.

“Mr. Hollis will be missed,” the district said in announcing his retirement. “Bakersfield School District extends a thankful heart to Mr. Hollis for his years of dedicated service, and best wishes for all the new adventures that await!”

Hayes, who has served Bakersfield R-IV as assistant principal for the past three years, working primarily in the middle and high school building, will take over as elementary principal this fall.

She brings extensive experience in education and administration to her new position. Before coming to Bakersfield, Hayes served as an assistant principal at West Plains Elementary School. Prior to that, she lived in Oklahoma, where she worked as an elementary teacher and principal.

Hayes is a Gainesville High School graduate and Ozark County native with deep roots in the area. She and her husband, RO, have two daughters, Massey and Madeline, who attend Bakersfield High School.

Outside of school, Hayes enjoys spending time outdoors, working on the family farm, playing golf with her family and helping her husband operate their small family business.