Following an extensive search that began six months ago, the Warren County R-III School Board has chosen a familiar face to lead the district. Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith has been hired as the new superintendent.

“We are ecstatic,” said Board President John Clinger. “Not only do we feel like we got a great candidate, but we have connected more with the community in the process.”

Klinginsmith has been the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment in the Wentzville School District for the past three years. Prior to that he served as assistant superintendent of Warren County R-III Schools from 2011 to 2015.

Klinginsmith beat out a pool of 21 applicants, emerging from the final three interviewed by the board on Nov. 21. Clinger says Klinginsmith was ultimately the unanimous choice.

“Each candidate had to give a PowerPoint presentation, and we liked his ideas and where he said he would take us,” said Clinger. “He had a nice presentation and a booklet prepared with time lines for how we would transition. He really provided some in-depth ideas on how we could move forward together.”

Klinginsmith says he is eager to be back in the district that he has called home since 2011. He still resides in Warrenton with his wife, Rebecca, and two sons, Miles and Will. 

“I’m really excited to return to work in the community I live in,” said Klinginsmith. “Warren County is one of the most generous communities I’ve lived in. I’m going to be invested in the community, be transparent and work as collaboratively as I possibly can.”

Klinginsmith received approval to be released from his contract at Wentzville on Tuesday night at the R-4 board meeting, but he will not officially begin his employment with Warren County R-III until July 1, 2018. In the meantime, he will be devoting several days a month to meet with R-III officials and attend board meetings while completing his responsibilities in Wentzville.

“I believe Warren County R-III can be one of the best districts in the state,” said Klinginsmith. “This is a wonderful place to be, and I think we’re on the verge of some great things.”

Klinginsmith graduated from Carthage High School and attended Westminster College for his undergraduate degree. He went on to earn a Master’s from William Woods University and obtained his doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University. 

The district will be holding a meet and greet with Klinginsmith on Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at Warrenton High School. 

See the Dec. 14 edition of The Record for an in-depth look at why Klinginsmith decided to return to R-III and what his plans are for the district.