Scott City names new school superintendent

At the Scott City Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday, Scott City School Board president Beth Cox couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice when speaking about the district's new superintendent.

Beginning July 1, Brian Lee, high school principal at Diamond School District in Diamond, Missouri, will be taking over as superintendent of the Scott City School District.

Lee will replace superintendent Diann Ulmer, who plans to retire at the end of this school year.

Cox said it was important to find someone willing to move to Scott City and becoming an active community member.

"[Lee is] willing to be a resident of Scott City, will be invested in the community. His wife is a teacher as well, and they have three kids -- a kindergartner, 4-year-old boy and 9-month-old girl," Cox said.

In 2008, Lee graduated from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, with an educational specialist degree. He earned his master's degree in educational administration in 2005 from William Woods and his bachelor of science in education in 1992, with a major in social studies and physical education.

Education has underscored Lee's 22-year career. He worked for 13 of those years as a coach as well as teaching social studies, physical education and special education.

He moved between Harrisonville Middle School in Harrisonville, Missouri; Adrian High School in Adrian, Missouri; Dodge City High School in Dodge City, Kansas; and Waynesville High School in Waynesville, Missouri. He then spent two years in Rock Port, Missouri, as a principal for students in grades seven through 12, and has spent the past seven at Diamond High School.

Lee said he's coached everything from basketball to baseball and football, but he's ready to turn in his Wildcats jersey and become a Ram.

"I'm extremely excited for this opportunity," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge and building a team at the district level and doing what's best for the students of Scott City."

At the Diamond School District, the student population is about 880 children, so Scott City, with 818 students, is just a slight transition for the future superintendent.

"I don't think I've ever been this excited to start a job before," Lee said.

smaue@semissourian.com

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