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Ozark superintendent re-upped to 2025

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Dr. Chris Bauman will remain the superintendent of the Ozark School District until at least June of 2025.

On Jan. 20, the Ozark Board of Education voted unanimously to extend a three-year contract for Bauman, who will continue to lead Ozark schools through the 2024-25 school year. Three years is the longest contract a school board may offer a superintendent under Missouri law.

This is Bauman’s fourth year at the helm of the district of about 5,700 students. Ozark Board of Education President Tom Bass said Bauman has stepped up to the challenges the District has faced in those years.

“Following the difficulties and challenges of the last few years, Dr. Bauman's leadership has been crucial and exemplary,” Bass said. “The Ozark School Board is pleased to have the opportunity to extend Dr. Bauman's contract for an additional year.” 

Bauman has worked in education for nearly 25 years. He started as a mathematics teacher at Verona High School before coming to the Ozark R-VI School District in 1999, where he was a mathematics instructor, volleyball coach and wrestling coach at Ozark Junior High.

After serving in Iraq for 14 months in the U.S. Army National Guard, Bauman became the Ozark Junior High assistant principal in 2006, and then served as principal of Ozark Upper Elementary from 2007-2013. Bauman served as the school district's executive director of operations before the board of education promoted him to superintendent in 2018, following the retirement of Dr. Kevin Patterson.

“We have encountered many challenges over the last two years, but we are fortunate to have such a supportive community,” Bauman said. “I cannot say how grateful I am to serve and work with an amazing staff and a strong community. All the work we do is focused around the success of each student and I am fortunate to be part of that process.” 

The Jan. 20 vote was for Bauman’s contract only. Salary is decided in June. Bauman’s current annual salary is $190,690.


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