SILEX, Mo. — The Silex R-1 School District is excited to announce Robert James as their new High School & Middle School Principal for the 2023-2024 school year. This is his 22nd year in the education field. Mr. James is no stranger to Silex. His first 11 years of his teaching career were spent coaching at Silex where he accumulated 7 Final Four appearances in basketball and softball.  The Lady Owls earned two State Championships in 2006 and 2012 while he coached softball. Mr. James spent 8 years at Winfield School District serving as their Athletic Director, before returning to Silex 3 years ago to once again coach and serve as Athletic Director. 

Mr. James says “I’m excited about the 2023-2024 school year and look forward to building more relationships with students throughout the entire building. We have a great staff and students, and they are some of the best in the state. I plan on building on our tradition of being “The Best Small School in the State of Missouri.” 

“Being at Silex gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family and serve the school that I love. I am very grateful for my wife (Kimberly), daughters (Lexee and Kenzee) and my son (Trey). Being in the Silex community and school district is very important to our family and we are blessed to call this home,” Mr. James added.. 

Mr. James will also continue to coach the JV and Varsity girls basketball team this season.