October 30, 2021
Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn Named Meramec Valley R-III School District Superintendent
Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn will become the Meramec Valley R-III School District superintendent, effective November 2, 2021. The Board of Education made the decision during its special board meeting on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Schwierjohn has been the interim superintendent since July 1, 2021 replacing Dr. John Mulford.
“The Board of Education is excited for the future of Meramec Valley School District as we welcome Dr. Schwierjohn as the new leader for our district,” said Board of Education President, Matt Trower. “Dr. Schwierjohn has tackled some significant projects for our district including leading the change to trimesters, the MVR-III Re-Imagine Initiative, and has led the district as our interim superintendent this year. Additionally, the Board congratulates Dr. Schwierjohn on becoming the first female superintendent for Meramec Valley R-III.”
Prior to becoming the interim superintendent, Dr. Schwierjohn served as the Meramec Valley Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction starting in 2018. In that role, Schwierjohn has worked beside MVR-III staff and building leaders to implement the district’s Re-Imagine Initiative, develop a Virtual Learning Academy, expand Project Lead the Way STEM courses PreK-12th grades, and oversee the district’s 17.9 million dollar no-tax increase Proposition 1 bond issue project.
Leading up to her transition to Meramec Valley, Dr. Schwierjohn served as the Director of Assessment for over 16,000 students in the Wentzville School District for 2 years, and as an elementary principal in the Warren County R-III School District at Daniel Boone Elementary for 5 years. Overall, Dr. Schwierjohn has been serving students in public education for 22 years and brings an extensive background in education, administration, district-level assessment, and curriculum to her new role as superintendent. Dr. Schwierjohn shared, “Throughout my experiences and years in education, I have learned so much from students, parents, and staff about the power of relationships, innovation, and high expectations in helping each student reach their full potential. I am thrilled and so honored to be able to continue the important work and progress set forth by our MVR-III Board of Education in our district strategic plan, and to work with all stakeholders to achieve these goals.”
Dr. Schwierjohn completed her B.S. degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg. In 2011, Dr. Schwierjohn earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lindenwood University, and shortly after joined the Lindenwood University staff as an adjunct professor teaching the final Capstone course to other education doctoral candidates. Dr. Schwierjohn has since supervised and published over 10 educational research studies, and is currently an adjunct professor at William Woods University. In this role she is supervising ongoing research studies of best practices and innovative methods in the field of education today.
Schwierjohn grew up in Florissant, Missouri, and attended Incarnate Word Academy High School. Her husband Robert, is also a fellow educator in the Orchard Farm School District, serving as a science teacher, cross country, and track coach. Their son, Ian is a freshman at William Woods University and runs cross country and track for his college team. Their daughter Lauryn, is a sophomore at Orchard Farm High School and enjoys soccer and cross country as well.
Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn shared that her family is looking forward to settling into the MVR-III community. “Our family is very excited about this new opportunity and have felt so welcomed by this kind and caring community. I look forward to continuing the traditions and progress of those who have come before me, while working with all stakeholders to expand opportunities for every student in our district.” Dr. Schwierjohn also stated, “I want each student, staff, family, and community member to know that I share and will live our mission that Together We Can Make a Difference in Doing What’s Best for Kids. I share your desire and determination to see our students and district succeed, and I too, have extreme pride in and commitment to our amazing students and school community.”