Advance school superintendent steps down

The search is on for a new school superintendent in Advance, Missouri.

Stan Seiler, the district's leader for six years, announced his early retirement a week ago for health and family reasons.

"The stress of the job is just really intense. I'm not immune to that," Seiler said.

Although Seiler isn't sure what his next step will be, he expressed gratitude to parents, members of the community, teachers, district staff and his family.

"I've been all over the world teaching and learning, and the kids at Advance are some of the best people I've ever met," he said.

David Kennedy, president of the Advance School Board until he lost in the April 5 election, served on the board committee that hired Seiler.

Although he wanted to remain upbeat, Kennedy admitted to discord in the community before Seiler's decision to leave, along with division in the board itself.

During his time in the district, a new agriculture building was constructed, dual-credit courses became available in the high school, the graduation rate rose to 95.8 percent, average standardized test scores climbed to 94.8 percent, and a full-service preschool opened, among other accomplishments.

"Mr. Seiler has done an excellent job," Kennedy said. "Somebody's going to have some big shoes to fill."

Applications for superintendent are being accepted until April 19, and interviews will take place the week of April 25. A tentative hire date for the new superintendent is set for May 9, with a start date of July 1, Kennedy said.

School board member Jim Below said the group's goal is to hire someone who is forward-thinking and a good steward of taxpayer money. A person with good leadership qualities is a must, as well.

"We'd like to have it all," he said.

ljones@semissourian.com

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