Nixa Public Schools extends Kleinsmith contract

The Nixa Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to extend the contract of district Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith through the 2016-17 academic year.

Kleinsmith will begin his 15th year as superintendent of the district in August, according to a news release.

The board hasn't yet decided whether to raise Kleinsmith's current salary of $163,984, as the superintendent has asked board members to first investigate what it can provide Nixa Public Schools faculty and staff.

“Leadership starts at the top and sends a message to everyone else. Dr. Kleinsmith’s message is one of excellence and always striving for your best," said Brent Dunn, a Nixa Public Schools board member, in the release. "That mentality keeps Nixa at the top and keeps us from settling for less than our best.”

Under Kleinsmith, Nixa Public Schools claims a dropout rate of 1.3 percent, below the state average 2.9 percent, while spending $2,100 less than the state average per student. Also, the district claims a 96 percent attendance rate, meeting one of Kleinsmith's goals, the release said.