Warren County R-III Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jill Schowe has announced her retirement effective June 30.Schowe leads curriculum, instruction and assessment for the school district. She has been in her current position for three years and has spent a total of 25 years working for the Warren County R-III School District.Her first year of teaching was in 1993 at Rebecca Boone Elementary. In total, she spent 12 years teaching fifth grade, sixth grade and Title One English Language Arts/Math.Schowe also spent two years as an assistant principal at Rebecca Boone; two years as an assistant principal at Daniel Boone; and was building principal at Rebecca Boone for six years.“Public education is changing and it probably should,” said Schowe. “When I started 25 years ago, the outside doors were not locked, we welcomed any and all visitors. Now we practice intruder drills and all doors both externally and internally are locked all day, every day.“I entered public education because of my love for children. As I have taken on different roles and responsibilities, and changed positions, I no longer work very closely with children for the most part,” she said. “My days are spent with adults. I have tried to make every decision, every day, with the idea of ‘how will this impact our students?’ I genuinely miss working with the students.”Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Aaron Jones, who has worked with Schowe for the past three years, said he’s excited for his colleague on retiring.“I have really enjoyed working with Dr. Schowe and being a part of this team for the past three years,” he said. “I am excited for her and her family and wish her the best in her retirement.”Will be missedDr. Gregg Klinginsmith, who will take over as the Warren County R-III superintendent July 1, said Dr. Schowe will certainly be missed.“Dr. Schowe’s commitment to Warren County R-III is unmatched,” he said. “She has been a staple in the school district and it will not be the same place without her. I am happy for her and her family, but sad for the district. We are losing a great leader.”While she is retiring from the Missouri public school system, Schowe isn’t certain what the future will hold.“There is the possibility of relocation, spending quality time with my family, and continuing with my personal mission of helping young people in some way,” she said. “While it is sometimes scary, I refuse to succumb to the fear of the unknown.”Schowe takes with her plenty of wonderful memories.“My greatest memories are being a classroom teacher at Rebecca Boone,” she said.“Karen Gregory will always be the best principal of all time, but she taught me so many things and I know I’ve grown to be the leader I am today because of her,” said Schowe. “Teachers like Debbie Current set the bar very high. She truly engaged every student every minute of the day. Working with her in Rebecca Boone helped me to continue to hold the bar high today.“Some may argue I set the bar too high, but we have to always try to get better,” she added. “The last person who I feel helped me to become the leader I am today is the late Dr. Jim Cale. When he was the superintendent, I was a classroom teacher. I worked closely with him in a teacher-leadership role.“I only wish I had been able to work with him as an administrator. I’m sure his level of integrity and central office leadership skills would have certainly helped me in my central office work.”AccomplishmentsSchowe takes away many proud moments and accomplishments.“For me, helping Warren County R-III join the Care to Learn network to help every student who needs assistance with health, hunger or hygiene is among the things I am most proud of,” she said. “And of course the opening of the Rebecca Boone Trading Post. Both of these things are still in place today and help students every single day, no questions asked.”School Board President John Clinger issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Dr. Schowe:“I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Schowe through her entire educational career at the Warren County R-III School District. She has excelled in every aspect of education and every position that she was in over the years.“I have seen her grow over the years starting first as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. She will be truly missed by all.“The district as well as the board of education appreciated her willingness to serve as co-interim superintendent for the 2017-18 school year. She approached that role with excitement and her enthusiasm for education and educating students has withstood the test of time.“The board of education was able to do a thorough superintendent search to find the perfect person for that role. This was made possible in part by Dr. Schowe’s willingness and commitment to be part of the Warren County R-III School District’s Administrative Team. She will always be a part of the Warren County R-III family and forever a Warrior.“We wish her the best of luck in her future and will always remember her love for students, her love for education, and her leadership at Warren County R-III School District.”

Dr. Jill Schowe