Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

SPS Superintendent John Jungmann Plans To Retire From Public Education Next May

Springfield Public Schools

The superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, Dr. John Jungmann, announced Wednesday that he plans to retire from public education at the end of this school year.  

The Board of Education has accepted Jungmann’s letter of retirement, and a nationwide search for his replacement will begin immediately, according to a statement from SPS.

Jungmann explained why he decided to retire.

"I served, I think successfully, for 23 years in Missouri public education, and I've had a great run in Springfield, I'll wrap up seven years, and I've really enjoyed that opportunity," he said, "but I'm looking forward to a next step, and public education's been very good to me, and I'll miss it but I'm ready to catch a breath and see what happens next."

Jungmann has headed the Springfield Public School District for seven years.  And, as he said, he’s worked in public education in Missouri for 23 years.

During Jungmann’s time at SPS, the district developed a new strategic plan and a facility master plan.  And voters approved Proposition S, a $168 million bond issue for facility improvements.  But there’s another accomplishment that Jungmann is most proud of.

"I have to say the thing that I think is the lasting legacy is the work on our graduation rate that our team has just been so committed to over the last few years and reached over 93 percent this year, record levels never ever achieved before in SPS," said Jungmann, "and I think that's created a new bar for every class to come after and a new level of expectation."

Jungmann said he looks forward to finishing out his final year “with the same passion and commitment that I have brought with me during each of the last six years.”

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.