The Maryville R-II School District has officially opened its search for a superintendent. It posted the job on Sept. 18 and is looking to fill the position before the 2026-27 school year.
The search process is being conducted in partnership with the Missouri Association of Rural Education, whose mission is to connect schools in rural areas with resources and programs.
While Maryville does fit that rural category, Philip Pohren, who currently serves as interim superintendent, says the district has significant resources which will set it apart during the search process.
He noted Maryville’s reserve ratio of 46%, an indication of district savings. “We’ve budgeted very well over the years. From the previous superintendent to superintendents past, they’ve made excellent financial decisions with bond dollars, our tax levy dollars. They’ve budgeted well.”
“If you’re looking at this position,” Pohren said, “that’s a number that your eyes are drawn to because it shows we’re in a healthy financial position [at the district].”
The search process is being guided by a survey that was distributed to parents, teachers, and community members earlier this month.
Pohren said the district received around 400 responses, which were presented to the board at their Sept. 17 meeting.
The effort was to “guide the board in what the community wants out of their next superintendent. Anything from [a focus on] academic success, to financial knowledge, to visioneering for the district, to staff retention,” he said.
The Maryville R-II School District currently serves nearly 1,500 students across 5 different schools. The superintendent will oversee more than 200 staff members and an annual operating budget around $25 million.
