BOLIVAR, Mo - The Bolivar R-1 School District is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Methvin as its new superintendent. Dr. Methvin brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership to his new role.
Dr. Methvin currently serves as the Executive Director of Schools - Middle School at Springfield Public Schools, a position he has held since July 2022. In his current role, he manages Springfield Public Schools’ ten middle schools with more than 6,000 students. He has spent the past six school years with Springfield Public Schools, also serving as the Director of Schools - Elementary from 2018 to 2022. Before that, Dr. Methvin was the Elementary Principal of the Pleasant Hope R-VI School District for five years. He will return to the Bolivar School District, where he served as the Bolivar Middle School Assistant Principal from 2006 to 2013.
The Bolivar R-1 School District Board of Education expressed their confidence in Dr. Methvin's ability to lead the district to new heights. Board President Paula Hubbert remarked, "The members of the Board of Education voted unanimously to extend an offer to Dr. Methvin to join us as superintendent. Dr. Methvin’s enthusiasm and experience in public education as a compassionate leader who is dedicated to learning for all students was evident from the moment that we met him. Board members look forward to working with him to build on the stability, strength, and success that Dr. Asbill brought to our district in his three years here. We hope that Dr. Methvin will be our Liberator leader for many years.”
“It is an absolute honor to return to the district where my family and I have called home for over two decades,” said Dr. Methvin. “I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of all students, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the community to ensure that Bolivar Schools continues to provide a high-quality education for every student.”
Dr. Methvin holds a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Methvin will officially begin serving the Bolivar R-1 School District effective July 1, 2024.
EXPERIENCE:
SPRINGFIELD R-XII SCHOOL DISTRICT - Springfield, MO
Executive Director of Schools - Middle School | 2022-Present
Responsible for all operational and academic functions at ten middle schools, leading a team of 650 dedicated staff members working together to serve over 6,000 students.
Responsible for long-term financial planning through forecasting of enrollment, staffing, and resource needs, including oversight of a $32.5 million staffing budget and $1.3 million Title I budget.
Member of long-term capital planning team for facility improvements, technology upgrades, and other major projects. Ensured alignment between capital plans and the district’s overall strategic plan (CSIP).
Member of the district’s collective bargaining team responsible for negotiating compensation and general working conditions for each represented employee group.
Successfully collaborated with community and district stakeholders to support and execute two successful bond initiatives, securing $167 million (2019) and a state-record $220 million (2023) for safety and security upgrades at all district schools and the construction of five new elementary schools, three new middle schools, and eight FEMA storm shelters. Led informational meetings with district employees and public forums with patrons and community organizations to articulate the details of the bond issue, address concerns, and generate support.
Collaborated weekly with architecture, engineering, and general contracting teams in the construction of five new elementary schools (2019) and three new middle schools (2023) under my supervision.
Conducted thorough assessments of existing school facilities to identify deficiencies, safety concerns, and areas in need of improvement.
Met with state legislators, Springfield and Greene County elected officials, and leaders of faith-based and non-profit organizations to advocate for public schools and provide resources for students and families.
Developed and presented professional learning each month for middle school and K-8 principals aligned to the district’s CSIP, including the following key topics: Professional Learning Communities (PLC), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Marzano’s Instructional Framework, and effective teacher observation and feedback.
SPRINGFIELD R-XII SCHOOL DISTRICT - Springfield, MO
Director of Schools - Elementary | 2018-2022
Responsible for all operational and managerial oversight of 34 elementary schools comprised of nearly 600 staff members, serving over 11,000 students.
Led the successful launch of Professional Learning Communities and the PBIS behavioral support framework across 34 elementary schools, which eventually became K-12 initiatives.
Led the district’s redesign of before and after school programming (SHINE) in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Springfield Parks and Recreation, and the Dream Center.
Worked closely with stakeholders to execute a successful 2019 bond initiative, securing $167 million for safety and security upgrades, including secure entrances at 31 schools and the new construction or renovation of five elementary schools.
Designed and presented monthly professional learning for principals related to PLC, PBIS, observation and feedback, and staff evaluation.
Developed leadership pipeline through the training and coaching of assistant principals.
Redesigned web-based principal communication platform housing weekly newsletter updates, important resources, professional development links, calendar of events, etc.
Board Member of the following organizations: Springfield Council of PTA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, North Springfield Betterment Association
PLEASANT HOPE R-VI SCHOOL DISTRICT - Pleasant Hope, MO
Elementary Principal | 2013-2018
Facilitated growth in student achievement on state assessment from below state average in all MAP categories to above average in all categories during tenure as principal.
Served as Federal Programs Director, managing Title I, Title IIa, and Title VI budgets totaling over $550,000 and facilitating annual desk audits performed by DESE.
Member of school finance planning team with Superintendent of Schools.
Organized and executed significant security and aesthetic upgrades to the PHES school building and grounds, including a secure main entry vestibule, window security film, and digital security cameras.
Successfully piloted and implemented the district’s initial one-to-one Chromebook initiative.
Member of CSIP committee responsible for developing district goals and long-range facilities planning.
Member of the planning team for the PHR6 Alternative Learning Center construction project.
Responsible for school public relations and communicating with community stakeholders through local and regional media, regular committee meetings, newsletters, social media, etc.
DESE Positive Behavior Support “School of Excellence” (Bronze) 2014, 2015, (Silver) 2016, 2017
Presented at the MAESP State Conference in 2015 (Core Clarity: Keeping Your School Focused on Learning)
BOLIVAR R-I SCHOOL DISTRICT - Bolivar, MO
Middle School Assistant Principal | 2006-2013
Twice nominated for SW Missouri Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year (MASSP).
Responsible for facilitating building-level Crisis Response Team, Service and Operations Team.
Co-presenter with Superintendent at the 2011 Missouri Association of School Administrators spring conference (Technology Use for Communication with Stakeholders).
Served on the following district-level leadership teams:
District Master Planning Committee
CSIP Facilities and Technology Committee
Facilitated the following building-level teams:
Curriculum Leaders Committee
Middle School Parent Advisory Council
Sportsmanship Committee (5-Star MSHSAA Leadership School)
Developed an academic intervention system for flexible support of student learning.
Led BMS to be recognized as MSHSAA 5-Star Leadership school from 2006-2013.
Introduced and implemented a schoolwide PBIS framework at BMS.
Responsible for all BMS summer school recruitment, programming, and operations (2006-2013).
HALFWAY R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT - Halfway, MO
High School Business Teacher/Athletic Director | 2002-2006
Responsible for instruction in Accounting I & II, Entrepreneurship, Intro to Business, Desktop Publishing, and Computer Applications to students in grades 7-12.
Head Coach, Varsity Boys Basketball
EDUCATION: