One local resident will now have a much shorter commute to work, after being hired to bring his educational background to the Warren County R-III School District.Steve Weeks, who has lived in Warrenton for seven years, has been selected as the new principal at Rebecca Boone Elementary.“I want to continue being a positive influence in the lives of children and work with our teachers here on our instruction at Rebecca Boone so all of our students can grow,” said Weeks, who is in his 17th year as an educator.He will replace Dr. Cheri Oliver, who is taking a position in the Francis Howell School District following the completion of the 2017-18 school year.Weeks has served the last seven years in the St. Clair School District. He has been head principal at the elementary there for the past three years, previously serving four years as assistant principal.R-III Assistant Superintendent Aaron Jones said the district was enticed by Weeks’ background in reading instruction, as well as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and PLC.“When I was a teacher in Columbia I was my building’s PBIS facilitator,” Weeks said. “Then at St. Clair we are a PBIS school as well, and we’ve worked to grow and improve that. I look forward to coming to Rebecca Boone and continuing to do the same.”Jones says the goals for the school will remain the same under its new leadership.“At Rebecca Boone we want to continue the tradition of community relationships and the welcoming family atmosphere that exists there,” he shared. “We also want to continue focusing on student achievement.”Weeks began his career in the Columbia Public School District as a first-, third- and fifth-grade teacher.He and his wife moved to Warrenton to be closer to family who reside in High Hill and Innsbrook. His two children currently attend Rebecca Boone Elementary.“I live nearby, so this is a great opportunity for me and my family,” said Weeks.“Not only do I want to see Rebecca Boone and Warren County succeed, but I want to see the town of Warrenton succeed. We want to continue to grow our parental involvement, which I have seen firsthand here.”Steve Weeks