Wright City R-II School District has changed the structure of its administration.The district experienced multiple shifts within its administration staff during the school year. It expanded to two assistant superintendents after the retirement of Facilities Director Jack Sanford. During the spring, Jeremy Way was hired as assistant superintendent to serve the dual role of overseeing both facilities and human resources.More recently, R-II Assistant Superintendent Jenn Hecktor accepted a position in the Wentzville School District, vacating her position after three years.Wright City Middle School Principal Doug Smith has been hired to replace Hecktor as leader of curriculum, instruction and assessment. He has served in multiple administration capacities, including athletic director and high school assistant principal, since joining the district in 2010.“He’s been an important part of our administration for eight years,” said Superintendent Dr. David Buck. “At the high school he was part of an academic turnaround that put us among the top in the state. During his three years at the middle school academics improved vastly there too.”While he will miss the daily face-to-face interactions with the students, Smith said he is excited to have an impact on the academic achievement of the entire district.“I think the curriculum, instruction and assessment is something I have experience in and am passionate about,” said Smith. “I enjoyed being a principal and building administrator in the district for eight years. I feel ready for a different challenge.”All of Smith’s years at Wright City have been in an administrative capacity. Prior to joining the R-II staff, he served in teaching and coaching roles at Greenfield, Elsberry and Holt.“I still plan to interact often with the teachers and students,” said Smith. “It’s been a lot of fun as an administrator to get to know and work with the teachers in our district and see the improvement.”

Doug Smith, new assistant superintendent for Wright City R-II School District.