Sikeston School District gets new superintendent

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston School Board has selected a new superintendent from within the district.

Tom Williams was appointed to the position during an executive session of the school board Tuesday evening.

"This opportunity to be the superintendent of schools at Sikeston is a very exciting moment for me in my professional career," Williams said.

Before the executive session, board members accepted during their regular meeting Tuesday the retirement of superintendent Steve Borgsmiller, effective June 30. Last month, Borgsmiller was named the director of Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston.

"The board was in unanimous agreement that the best option for leadership in the district would be an employee already in the district," school board President Scott Crumpecker said. "We have great faith that Tom will lead the district in the direction necessary to continue to build upon the success that has become tradition in Sikeston public schools."

Williams' career in education began in 1986 in the Oran School District, where he was a social studies and physical education teacher. He also served in various coaching positions.

In 1990, Williams was hired by the Sikeston district to teach social studies and health at the junior high, where he also served as assistant coach for various sports. In 1996, he was named the assistant principal at the high school.

For the last 13 years, Williams has been principal of the high school. He was recently appointed as assistant superintendent of secondary education and professional development -- a position currently held by Andy Comstock, who has accepted the position as superintendent of Meadow Heights School District.

"I'm extremely proud to be a part of this school district," Williams said. "I've been here 23 years, and although I didn't grow up in Sikeston and go through the school system, I feel like I am definitely a part of the school after being here this long. I definitely have a strong feeling of closeness to Sikeston R-6 Schools."

Williams resides in Sikeston with his wife Laveta, a former assistant principal at Matthews Elementary in Sikeston. They have three sons.

During the regular session Tuesday, the Board also acknowledged Borgsmiller for his 12 years as superintendent of Sikeston R-6.

"We want to recognize Steve Borgsmiller for his efforts not only as our superintendent but as a long-term district employee," Crumpecker said. "We're going to miss a lot of what you do here. You've done some great things here."

Crumpecker said Borgsmiller has dedicated a lot of his life to being superintendent.

"It's cut into his family life quite extensively, and we appreciate not only him but his family as well," Crumpecker said.

On behalf of the Board of Education and school district, Crumpecker presented Borgsmiller with a gift, to which the room full of Borgsmiller's past and present co-workers as well as some family members responded by giving a standing ovation.

Borgsmiller said he thought the Board made a good choice in choosing Williams to serve as the new superintendent.

Meanwhile, Crumpecker asked that the community join the Board in conveying their congratulations to Williams in his new role.

"The Board expects a seamless transition for Tom as he adjusts to his new duties and responsibilities," Crumpecker said. "However, we ask for patience and support of the current administrators, teachers and staff while we make this transition."

Williams' first official day as R-6 superintendent is July 1.

"I'm very excited about the things we have done, and we can do -- and will continue to do," Williams said. "I'm ready for the challenge."

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO