It will be nearly seven months before Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith officially takes over his responsibilities as the newly hired superintendent of the Warren County R-III School District. 

But that time frame has not prevented him from working toward a clear vision for the Warrenton students and community.

Klinginsmith, whose selection from a pool of 21 applicants was announced last week by the board, will begin his duties on July 1. The central office will be familiar territory, his new space just a few doors down from where he sat as assistant superintendent of R-III from 2011 to 2014, before moving east.

While Klinginsmith has worked as assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment in the Wentzville School District for the past three years, his residence has remained in Warrenton. He says the community is what drew him back to work closer to home.

“The staff is 100 percent student-centered and cares deeply about what is best for kids,” said Klinginsmith. “The people in this community love their kids and will do anything to help them. I believe Warrenton has a bright future ahead if we can all work together.”

Klinginsmith addressed what he feels are the greatest challenges currently facing the district, citing teacher retention at the top of the list. In 2017 the district ranked 434 out of 518 public school districts in average years of experience for the teachers — in the bottom 20 percent of the state. 

“We have to find a way to keep our teachers from leaving,” said Klinginsmith. “Of course pay is one factor that needs to be addressed. The working environment is another. I want to create a working environment where all staff have a voice in the decision-making process and feel valued.” 

Klinginsmith said during his first few months he plans to get to know each employer of the district. He also plans to take advantage of the partnerships in the community and is excited about the commercial expansion.

“I think one of the biggest opportunities is to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses,” said Klinginsmith. “I look forward to finding ways that mutually benefit the students and the local business community. I want to make sure our graduates are meeting the requirements of our local industries so our students are well prepared for careers after high school.”

Klinginsmith asserts that he is not coming back to the district with an agenda but plans to look to the community for direction. He says one area that needs to remain a goal is the district’s annual performance rating scores. 

“I need to spend time listening to the community to find out what we feel is most important,” said Klinginsmith. “Starting July 1, I will be conducting my 90-day listening tour. During this time, I will visit with all staff, parents, business leaders, and students to find out what they feel is the most important to them. I will then develop a plan from there.”

He says one area that needs to remain a goal is the district’s annual performance rating scores. R-III recently received its highest rating in five years with a 95.4 percent grade from the state.

Klinginsmith says the district will need the community’s support to reach maximum efficacy in leading and teaching its students. 

“Many times it just takes one caring adult to change the trajectory of a child’s life,” said Klinginsmith. “It doesn’t have to be a teacher or counselor to be the person who cares for a child. The administration and community need to work together to build a successful school district.”

Klinginsmith has lived in Warrenton since 2011 with his wife Rebecca. They have two young children, Miles and Will.

“I live in the district and I am part of the community,” said Klinginsmith. “We are one community.”

A meet-and-greet event will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. at Warrenton High School for those who wish to meet Klinginsmith.