Ozark superintendent approved for 3-year contract extension

Provided by Ozark School District

Chris Bauman is on pace to lead the district at least through the 2025-26 academic year.

The Ozark School District gave unanimous approval to a contract extension for Superintendent Chris Bauman.

Bauman is on board to lead the district at least through the 2025-26 academic year with the three-year extension. The board made the decision at its Jan. 19 meeting, according to a news release issued this morning.

“Dr. Bauman made a commitment to focus on each individual student’s talents, and is committed to making each and every student future-ready," said Sarah Adams Orr, board president, in the release. "Over the past several years, we have seen the positive results in our students because of that commitment."

Under Bauman's tenure, a century-old administration building was renovated for the Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center, which won the Springfield Contractors Association’s Design Team of the Year award last year, according to past reporting. The superintendent also is credited with leading the district to opening the $23.2 million Ozark Innovation Center for new student curricula in a former manufacturing center.

An Ozark School District employee since 1999, Bauman was named superintendent in 2018 after serving as executive director of operations, according to the release.

“It’s been such an honor to be able to work with the students, staff, families and community in Ozark. I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of such a great district,” Bauman said in the release.

Bauman's annual salary is $197,364. The Jan. 19 vote was for his contract length only; a salary decision is expected in June, according to district officials.