Wright City R-II Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines will be leaving the district at the end of the school year.Gaines has accepted the superintendent position in the Mehlville School District beginning July 1.Gaines was hired in 2008. During a special board meeting Monday night, he was released from his contract."For the past seven years it has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Wright City R-II superintendent," Gaines said. "We worked our way through some budget challenges during the recession, have significantly improved student achievement, have upgraded facilities, have an early childhood center under construction, and have a vision and direction set for 2020.  "While challenges exist, the district is in a great position to continue moving forward.  That improvement is possible because so many outstanding folks walk the halls of Wright City Schools each day serving our student body.  "I’m happy to have been part of the district these past seven years and will have fond memories of our time together."For more on this story, see the Feb. 12 issue of The Record

Dr. Chris Gaines, left, shown receiving the Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year award, has accepted the superintendent job in the Mehlville School District.