Ketina Armstrong, Communications Director
Meramec Valley R-III School District
126 N. Payne St, Pacific, MO, 63069
(636) 271-1400
karmstrong@mvr3.k12.mo.us
mvr3.k12.mo.us
For Release On – 3/18/2021
MVR-III Superintendent Named Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Springfield Public Schools
Following three years as superintendent of the Meramec Valley R-III School District, Dr. John Mulford has announced his resignation effective June 30, 2021. Dr. Mulford has been named the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the Springfield School District (SPS), Missouri’s largest public-school system. SPS has an enrollment of approximately 23,500 students spread over 50 campuses.
During its regular monthly meeting, held March 17, the MVR-III School Board accepted Mulford’s resignation and appointed current Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn, as interim superintendent for the 2021-22 school year. The School Board will conduct a full search this fall to select Mulford’s permanent replacement, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2022.
Meramec Valley R-III School Board President, Matt Trower, shared these comments on behalf of the Board: “The Board of Education would like to thank Dr. Mulford for the leadership and innovation he has provided our district over the last three years. While his departure is untimely, we are confident in the leaders we have across the district and their ability to continue to carry out our mission to become a district of choice. MVR-III will continue to deliver an innovative approach for the students in our district as we move forward with Re-Imagine MVR-III and the much-needed Proposition 1.”
Below is Dr. Mulford’s letter to the community announcing his resignation:
Dear MVR-III Families,
It is with mixed emotions that I submit this letter notifying you of my intent to step down as the superintendent of our great school district on June 30, 2021. My wife and I have been presented with the opportunity to relocate closer to home and family by serving in the Springfield Public School District as the Deputy Superintendent of Operations. I am extremely proud to have been a part of the MVR-III community and I take much pride in the things we have achieved together. However, there remains more to accomplish as the Re-Imagine MVR-III efforts will continue to be implemented over the next five years and Proposition 1 will be voted on April 6th, providing much needed funds for facility and safety improvements across all campuses. But, this is just the beginning! With the strong leadership of the MVR-III School Board, the solid team of administration currently in place, and the many high-quality faculty and staff that serve our students, our district is on the path to even greater accomplishments in the future. The love and generosity the MVR-III community shows for our schools is unparalleled. My wife and I are blessed to have been a part of this community, and this school district will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Mulford