Ozark School District starts search for next superintendent

The Ozark School District is moving forward with the process of searching for its next superintendent.

The district announced in a news release yesterday that the board met this month and voted to contract with the Missouri School Boards’ Association to conduct the search. Additionally, a stakeholder survey has been launched to help gauge key qualities in the next superintendent.

"We, the board, believe it is important to include our Ozark staff, parents and community as we search for the district’s next leader,” said Sarah Adams Orr, school board president, in the release. “The survey will serve as a foundation to the selection process for our district. Our goal is to be transparent and informative during this process.”

The salary range to be posted for the job is $185,000-$205,000, according to the release, and officials say the goal is to conduct formal interviews with finalists before winter break.

Former Superintendent Chris Bauman retired from the district on June 30. He cited plans to spend more time with his family, including his wife who has cancer, according to past reporting.

Lori Wilson, assistant superintendent of business and chief financial officer, was picked by the board in the spring to serve as interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year.