Marshfield school district names next superintendent

provided by Marshfield R-I School District

Garrett Lowder is scheduled to start as superintendent during the 2026-27 academic year.

The Marshfield R-I School District has appointed Garrett Lowder as its next superintendent.

Lowder is scheduled to start in the district's top leadership role in the 2026-27 academic year, according to a news release. He'll succeed Mike Henry, who plans to retire from the district at the conclusion of the academic year.

“Dr. Lowder is one of the very best educational leaders whom I have ever had the pleasure of working with and is an even better person,” Henry said in the release. “I am extremely proud of the work that has been happening in Marshfield, and I am extremely confident that Dr. Lowder is going to continue that work and lead this district to be even better. His heart for public education and Marshfield is evident in everything he does."

A 2006 Marshfield graduate, Lowder joined the district in 2019 as executive director of academic services and has served the past six years as assistant superintendent of academic services. His career includes previous work at Nixa Public Schools. 

Lowder's career work has included oversight of strategic planning and budgeting, new technology initiatives, and STEM and literacy programs, according to the release.

"I am incredibly proud of the progress our district has achieved over the last few years," Lowder said in the release. “It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as a leader in the community that I grew up in and am so proud to be a part of. I am eager to continue pouring my heart into the incredibly worthwhile work we do in public education and in our community.”

The district is comprised of roughly 3,200 students and 430 staff members.