The Board of Education of the St. Joseph School District unanimously voted today to
appoint Dr. Robert Newhart as the Interim Superintendent, effective July 1, 2015. Board members
interviewed interim candidates during a closed session meeting on June 2, 2015.
“Dr. Robert Newhart is ready to provide immediate leadership and help establish a vision of continuous
improvement for our district. We strongly feel he was the best choice for our students, staff and
community,” stated Brad Haggard, President. “Dr. Newhart has all the qualities we are looking for in an
interim superintendent. We will lean on his leadership and experience as we continue to focus on
making key changes in the district to become stronger than ever before,” Haggard continued.
Newhart has been the superintendent of the Princeton R-V School District in Princeton, Missouri since
2014. Before that, he was the superintendent of the Lexington R-V School District in Lexington,
Missouri and the Polo R-VII School District in Polo, Missouri. Newhart also worked as a principal and
assistant principal in his career in education as well.
Newhart received his Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the
University of Missouri. He also has his Specialist, Superintendent and Masters in Education in
Secondary Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. He graduated from Missouri
Western State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Science in Business and
Associate of Science in Business.
“My educational experience has prepared me to lead the St. Joseph School District. I am here to listen,
begin the healing journey and help rebuild a foundation of excellence. I look forward to working with
the staff and students,” said Dr. Newhart.
Newhart was offered a one-year contract with a salary of $174,500.