The Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education has announced a planned leadership transition and the selection of Dr. Staci Johnson as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026.
Last week, Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy, the district’s current superintendent, informed the Board of her decision to conclude her service at the end of the school year in order to pursue an opportunity in a larger school district. The Board accepted her request and immediately began planning to ensure stability, continuity, and alignment with district goals.
“As a Board, our focus has always been on what is best for our communities and our kids,” said Glenn Ely, President of the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education. “Every decision we make—whether related to leadership, finances, or long-term planning—is guided by that responsibility.”
Following careful consideration, the Board unanimously selected Dr. Staci Johnson, the district’s current Assistant Superintendent, to serve as the next superintendent. Board members cited her deep knowledge of the district, strong leadership record, and alignment with community values and Board expectations.
“Dr. Johnson is an extraordinarily talented and highly qualified leader who understands our schools, our students, and our community,” Ely said. “She is well-prepared to lead the work ahead—strengthening academic performance, improving school culture, addressing bullying, and ensuring our district continues to reflect the values and expectations of the community we serve.”
Dr. Johnson brings 20 years of experience in education to the role. She began her career teaching speech and debate at Liberty Public Schools before moving into school leadership at the School of the Osage, where she served as principal at Osage High School for seven years. She joined Gasconade County R-2 five years ago as Assistant Superintendent.
During her time in the district, Dr. Johnson has helped lead several initiatives supporting student opportunities and district growth. As the district’s lead grant writer, she has secured more than $2 million in competitive grant funding, expanding programs such as career and technical education and early childhood opportunities. She was also named the 2024–2025 South-Central Assistant Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Johnson earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Educational Specialist degree from the University of Missouri, along with a Master’s in Secondary Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (Speech and Drama) from the University of Central Missouri.
As she begins her tenure, Dr. Johnson said her priorities will include continuity of leadership, strategic planning, improving student outcomes, and maintaining strong fiscal responsibility.
“My goal is for our community to be true partners in the education and development of our young people,” she said. “I want our schools to be a source of pride for our community and a place where students graduate ready to pursue their individual dreams and goals.”
Dr. Johnson and her family are deeply connected to the Gasconade County R-2 community. Her husband, Devin Johnson, serves as Principal of Owensville Middle School. Their son Zeke is a sixth-grade student at Owensville Middle School, and their daughter Evelyn is a fourth-grade student at Owensville Elementary.
The Board emphasized that the leadership transition comes at an important time for the district as it continues engaging the community on district priorities, including academic improvement, school culture, student safety, and long-term planning through the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
Jason Crowe, Vice-President of the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education, said the Board’s confidence in Dr. Johnson has been built over years of working closely with her.
“We hired Dr. Johnson five years ago with the confidence that she could one day lead our district,” Crowe said. “Over those years, we have seen exactly what we expected — excellence. I could not be more excited to see that opportunity come to fruition and to see Dr. Johnson lead Gasconade County R-2 into the future with bold intentionality.”