Updated, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11: Hickman Mills Superintendent Yolanda Cargile is leaving her post to take the top job in the neighboring Center School District.
Cargile announced her resignation in a letter sent to Hickman Mills parents last week.
On Tuesday, Center announced to parents that Cargile would take over July 1. The district has had an interim superintendent since the board ousted Sharon Nibbelink last year.
"After 3 rewarding years of serving as Superintendent of the district where I grew up and graduated, I made the decision to pursue another opportunity to further my growth as an educational leader," Cargile wrote in her letter to Hickman Mills parents.
Cargile had been a rising star in the district, receiving an award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators for her leadership.
Center School Board President Rebecca Lahann said Cargile stood out among the six semi-finalists the district interviewed.
"Dr. Cargile's thorough preparations and deep knowledge of our district, her collaborative leadership style, her ability to navigate significant challenges, and her active presence and visibility in schools and classrooms were clearly distinguishing differences," Lahann said in a statement.
Though Hickman Mills did not say when Cargile's resignation would take effect, a letter from the school board to parents and guardians said Cargile would, "during her remaining time with us," work with an interim superintendent to be selected soon. It's likely she will serve out the remainder of the school year in Hickman Mills.
"The Board of Directors is committed to a smooth transition and assurance that our students, families and community come first," Hickman Mills C-1 Schools Board President Wakisha Briggs wrote in a letter to parents and guardians on Thursday. "To facilitate this transition, the Board of Directors will select a search firm to assist with a national search for a new District leader."
"I will remain one of Hickman Mills greatest cheerleaders," Cargile wrote in her resignation letter. "I'm committed to doing everything I can to make the transition to the next leader a smooth one."
Elle Moxley covers education for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.
