The Warren County R-III School Board will not renew the contract of Warrenton High School Principal Nick Heggemann for a fourth year.The board voted 4-2 against retaining the third-year administrator, despite a recommendation by Superintendent Jim Chandler.“I made a recommendation for Mr. Heggemann, because he had met his performance expectations that were given to him from my perspective,” said Chandler. “Four board members chose to go in another direction, and they had the right to do that.”During Heggemann’s first two years the high school had seen improvement in state assessment scores, attendance and discipline numbers.“When you’re an administrator, even when you’re meeting expectations, there’s always that possibility you can get let go,” said Chandler.Heggemann voiced gratitude for his time in the district but expressed confusion over where he was not meeting the expectations.“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to work with the good people at Warrenton,” said Heggemann. “Having raised the MSIP 5 scores to above 80 for two years in a row is a big accomplishment. And raising an attendance rate by 3 percent.”He says there was a lack of clarity in regard to what his deficiencies were.“I don’t know how to meet the target when I don’t know what the target is,” said Heggemann. “I felt like I gave every bit of effort I could give to raise the standard at Warrenton High School, and it’s unfortunate.”Chandler says the district plans to post the vacant position this week and anticipates making a hire by April.“We will look and see what our needs are and do some surveying to try to open the position to find a candidate who fits the needs of everybody,” said Chandler. “I wish Mr. Heggemann the best and appreciate all that he has given to the school district. I know there are parents, students and staff members who are appreciative of what he’s given to our community.”Heggemann, who came to Warrenton from the Winfield School District, says he will plans to pursue other openings in education but has not ruled out a career change.“Leaving education is not out of my scope right now,” said Heggemann, whose salary was $104,295 during the 2015-16 school year.Warren County R-III