Houston Schools has hired its next superintendent.
Dr. Allen Moss, superintendent at Couch, was announced at noon Tuesday as the next leader of the Houston R-1 School District. He replaces Scott Dill, who is leaving at the end of the current school year for the same position in Poplar Bluff.
Moss emerged from a group of five finalists that included Scott Ireland, Jeff Davis, Gary Doerhoff and retiring Houston High School principal Charlie Malam. He received a 6-1 vote with Jennifer Scheets dissenting.
The school board approved a one-year salary of $88,000 for Moss along with a $12,000 stipend for fiscal management of the Exceptional Child Cooperative.
Moss, 44, said he has followed the progress of Houston Schools in recent years and is excited to be joining “the movement forward in community relations, transparency and accountability.” He mentioned the recent $4 million bond issue on campus as well as improvements in the community as positive signs.
“The recent construction and renovation made possible by the passage of the bond issue, to me, shows that the community is supportive of the school and wants to see progress continue,” he said. “I believe progress is positive and feel that this is a district headed in the right direction, which is a process I look forward to being a part of and continuing.”
Moss grew up in Pottersville – about 10 miles west of West Plains – and graduated from West Plains High School in 1989. He served eight years as a business teacher in West Plains before becoming the K-12 principal at Koshkonong. He was hired in 2012 as Couch superintendent.
Moss earned an accounting degree from Missouri Southern University in 1993 and received his teacher certification from Missouri State University in 2003. He went on to acquire a specialist and master of educational administration from William Woods University and this year completed his doctor of education from Lindenwood University.
Moss said his leadership approach is one of teamwork.
“I am not a top-down person,” he said. “I want to have people working with me who know how to do their jobs, and I want to let them do their jobs.
“Communication is vital in this. I want to hear what others think. I think one of my strengths is listening and working cooperatively with those around me. I have great relationships with my principals and staff so that they feel comfortable expressing their ideas and working together for what is best for our students.”
Moss has been married to his wife, Elisha, for almost 22 years. He has two children: a 19-year-old daughter, Alessandra, who is a sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains; and a son, Jaekan, 14, who will be a freshman next year.
“Houston is a beautiful area with a vibrant feel to it. I think it is a great place to bring my family,” Moss said. “I look forward to building solid, supportive professional relationships with the Houston Schools community. I am not only excited about the prospect but very appreciative of the opportunity to work with this school and its community.”
PROFESSIONAL:
- Couch R-1 School District, superintendent: July 2012-present
- Oregon-Howell R-III, K-12 principal: July 2009-June 2012
- West Plains R7, business teacher: July 2001-July 2009
EDUCATION
- Missouri Southern State University: bachelor of science in business administration, accounting: 1989-1993
- Missouri State University, teacher certification: 2000-2003
- William Woods University: specialist and master of educational administration (MEd), secondary school administration/principalship: 2006-2008
- Lindenwood University: doctor of education (EdD), educational leadership and administration, general; 2013-2016
PDF: Official minutes from closed session of Houston school board