VANDALIA, Mo. — The Van-Far School District will have new leadership as the Board of Education approved hiring John Fortney as superintendent.

Fortney has spent the past two years serving as principal for Monroe City High School. He will join the staff at Van-Far with a total of 18 years of experience in the education field and several years in the private sector in the field of archeology.

His education career began as a social studies and physical education career. He also coached football, track and wrestling. Prior to his time with the Monroe City School District, Fortney served for two years as assistant principal for the Owensville School District.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, Fortney also holds a master’s degree in sports psychology. He will be taking over at Van-Far for Tony DeGrave.

Fortney is reportedly looking forward to the chance to fulfill his dream of leading a school district.

Van-Far is a slightly smaller district than Monroe City with about 160 fewer students.

Get more on this story as it develops by staying tuned to KJFM Radio and find more local news online at kjfmeagle102.net.