The Wright City R-II School Board has chosen its new leader for the district.

Dr. Chris Berger, a longtime administrator and current assistant superintendent at Waynesville School District, will take over as superintendent on July 1.

The board converged for the final round of interviews on Sunday and met on Tuesday evening to finalize the decision. Berger was selected over current Wright City Assistant Superintendent Doug Smith and Ritenour Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike LaChance.

“All three of our finalists would have made a great superintendent,” said Board President Austin Jones. “We felt like he was the best fit for Wright City at this time. He had more experience doing budgets and was more rounded in terms of his skills.”

Berger replaces Dr. David Buck, who announced in January that he is leaving for an identical role in the Lee’s Summit School District.

“I was seeking a district where I’d have a little deeper connection with the students,” said Berger. “I had my radar on for opportunities, and when Dr. Buck got the Lee’s Summit job, I started researching Wright City and realized it was a position I’d be interested in.”

A 1990 graduate of Gainesville, Berger has spent the majority of his life in southwest and south central Missouri. He received his undergraduate degree from College of the Ozarks, returning to his hometown to teach and coach basketball.

Berger returned to school at Missouri State University, earning his Masters and Doctorate degrees.

He began his administrative career in the Thornfield School District, serving the dual role of principal and superintendent.

Berger then took over as superintendent at Dora and later transitioned to a larger district to serve as superintendent at Laclede County Schools in Conway.

At Waynesville for the past seven years, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Operations, overseeing facilities, food services, safety and transportation. As the chief financial officer, he oversaw $65 million in construction during his tenure.

“He really brings a broad range of experience,” said Jones. “From a facilities perspective, he stood out in terms of doing projects. Some of the other candidates hadn’t done construction projects at the level he has.”

Berger is focused on connecting with leaders throughout the district, where he plans to move his family.

“My main goal is relationship building,” said Berger. “I’m really eager to become involved in the student community and meet with student advisory groups. I want to become a familiar face in the district.”

He and his wife have two daughters who will be in elementary school, along with three adult sons.

“Everything we looked at from a professional to a personal side really hit the mark of what we were looking for.”

With the current school year having been cancelled due to COVID19, Berger says realizes there may be unforeseen challenges awaiting him come July.

“Wright City won’t be alone with any predicaments it faces,” said Berger. “All 565 districts in the state will be dealing with the same situations. Hopefully leaning on my experience and that of the administration and teaching will help. I certainly have concerns, but I’m also confident we can make it through.”

Berger was awarded a three-year contract, with a salary of $155,000 per year. He will also be provided with moving benefits to relocate to the district by June 30, 2021.