LOUISIANA, Mo. — The Louisiana R-II School District has announced their new superintendent will be Dr. Thomas Ward, who will replace Dr. Todd Smith, effective July 1, 2022.

The following press release was issued by the Louisiana school board.

Dr. Ward comes to Louisiana from Danville, IA where he has been the superintendent since 2017. Dr. Ward brings a vast amount of educational experience with him. He began his career teaching which included Louisiana from 1986-1999.

Dr. Ward earned his Masters in Education Administration from Lindenwood University in 1999 receiving the “HUSS Graduate Student Award in Education Administration” and his Specialist in Admin Education in 2002 receiving the “Lighthouse Consulting Education Specialist Award”. In 2007 he earned his PHD in Administration from Capella University where his dissertation “Impact of Embedded Credits on Vocational Students in Missouri” was published.

Jenna Loveless, President of Louisiana R-II Board of Education said, “We are excited to have Dr. Ward back in Louisiana as our new Superintendent. I believe his knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset to our district.”

“It is a privilege and honor to be selected as the next superintendent at Louisiana R-II and given the opportunity to come back to my roots in education and the community. I look forward to working with the board, staff, students, and the families of the Louisiana District. I can’t wait for the time to meet with all the patrons of the district.” Dr. Ward

Dr. Ward is a native of Louisiana and a 1971 graduate of Louisiana High School. He and his wife will return to Pike County and live on the family farm.