SPS superintendent’s contract extended for fourth time

John Jungmann’s contract is extended through the 2020-21 academic year.

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to extend Superintendent John Jungmann’s contract for the fourth time since he joined the district in 2014.

With the latest extension, Jungmann is on board to work through the 2020-21 academic year. The board completed its annual performance evaluation for Jungmann on Jan. 23, according to a news release.

“We are very happy with his performance over the past year, which is taking the district in the right direction for the benefit of our students, staff and community,” SPS Board of Education President Gerry Lee said in the release. “That work supports a future workforce that is well-suited to meet the needs of this community and region. We know that when our school district succeeds, our community succeeds.”

Jungmann’s contract details and benefits were not changed with the latest contract extension. His base salary for the 2017-18 academic year is $247,680.

As superintendent of SPS, Jungmann oversees operations for a district with nearly 4,000 employees and 25,000 students, according to the release.

The board cited Jungmann’s work to help train students through the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Professional Studies, a collaboration among 11 school districts and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Jungmann also is involved in the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts, a regional collaborative effort, and Launch, which provides flexible and personalized learning options.

Jungmann in December voiced his opposition to the Missouri Board of Education’s decision to fire Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven.

In April, SPS’ $189 million bond proposal for facility improvements failed to gain traction with voters. Following the failed bond bid, Jungmann said the district would work to gather input from stakeholders as it looks at other options.

“We remain committed to addressing the facility needs identified in the plan in order to provide learning environments for all students that facilitate engaging, relevant and personal learning experiences,” he said at the time.