Nixa Public Schools renews Kleinsmith's contract

The Nixa Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith through the 2017-18 academic year.

The board made the decision yesterday during its annual evaluation of the superintendent, which takes into account education leadership, business, finance, strategic planning, board and community relationships, according to a news release.

“Leadership is something you need for success, and we have seen Dr. Kleinsmith demonstrate that year after year and are honored to extend his contract here,” board President Scott McDonald said in the release.

Kleinsmith, who starts his 16th year with the district in August, has led the school to earn the highest accreditation from the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. The school also has a dropout rate of 1.3 percent - below the state average of 2.9 percent - spends $2,100 less than the state average per student and has an attendance rate above 96 percent.

Kleinsmith has asked the board not to issue him a salary increase until after determining what is needed for the faculty and staff of the school system, the release said. His current salary is $168,750, according to school spokesman Zac Rantz.