Center Seeks next superintendent

By Sara Wiercinski

On October 21, more than a dozen parents and community members gathered at Center Middle School to discuss their ideal superintendent.

The group agreed that the next leader should have a strong instructional background, be accountable, transparent, and honest, and willing to stick around, long term.

Jeanette Cowherd from the Superintendent of the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA), facilitated the forum. The Center 58 Board of Education engaged her and the MSBA team as consultants for the superintendent search.

“The job description is online. Our work here is to put some meat on the bones. To find someone who cares about this community,” said Cowherd.

Earlier in the day Cowherd hosted feedback sessions with district leadership, principals, teacher groups and students, which builds on an online survey conducted September 26 to October 13. The MSBA team will synthesize the collected data and identify common threads across the district, which become priorities for candidate screening.

“We will even use these themes to write the interview questions,” said Cowherd.

MSBA will report findings to the Center Board on November 24.

The superintendent application period is open through December 31, followed by screening and board interviews of top candidates in January 2026. A closed search process keeps applicant names confidential, which MSBA says attracts a larger pool and higher quality candidates. 

Troy Hogg has served as Center’s interim superintendent since April, following the resignation of Yolanda Cargile in February 2025. 

One participant at the October 21st forum asked if Hogg would be given preference for the permanent role.

Center Board Members Gayla Smith and Ira Boydston IV, who were in attendance, encouraged people to share their specific recommendations, including if it was Hogg, with board members for consideration.

Another attendee asked about the competitiveness of the Superintendent hiring salary, which is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. Cowherd said the range is attractive and suitable to Center as a small urban district.

Many agreed the next superintendent should appreciate the community and want to stay for many years. “They come here, check the ‘urban’ box, then they move to the next thing,” said one attendee, met with nods from others.

Cowherd replied that the board can ask about a candidate’s commitment level during the interview process. 

“The superintendent is the top person in your district, and that’s why this part of the work here is so important,” she said.

The new superintendent contract starts July 1, 2026. MSBA’s support will continue post-hire, facilitating an 18 month evaluation process with the board and offering 3 years of professional mentorship to the new superintendent. 

Learn more at www.center.k12.mo.us.