Ozark School District aims to name new superintendent next month

The Ozark School District hopes to name a new superintendent next month after the latest stage of the search process yielded 23 applicants.

The school board is moving into the third stage of the process, which involves a comprehensive review of the submitted applications – a process that has resulted in six finalists, according to a news release. The goal, officials say, is to have the next superintendent ready to announce for the Dec. 14 board of education meeting.

The next superintendent would start with the 2024-25 academic year. They would succeed former Superintendent Chris Bauman, who retired from the district on June 30, citing plans to spend more time with his family.

A search facilitated by the Missouri School Boards' Association started in late August with a stakeholder survey, followed by the Oct. 1-Nov. 26 application period.

"The enthusiasm and dedication of our community have been inspiring, and I am genuinely excited about the prospect of welcoming a visionary leader who will shape the future of education in Ozark," said Sarah Adams Orr, school board president, in the release. "Together, we look forward to selecting a superintendent who shares our commitment to excellence and the success of every student in our district."

The board plans to conduct screening interviews with the six finalists, narrow the pool to two or three people and conduct in-person formal interviews on Dec. 13. The salary range for the role is $185,000-$205,000.

Lori Wilson, assistant superintendent of business and chief financial officer, is serving as interim superintendent, according to the release.