New Madrid County R-1 hires new superintendent

NEW MADRID -- Dr. Sam Duncan's career has encompassed many things -- teacher, administrator, college professor and fundraiser. Soon it will include one more title -- superintendent.

Duncan will officially become the New Madrid County R-1 School District's new superintendent July 1. He replaces Dr. Cynthia Sharp Amick, who is retiring at the end of June.

Duncan was hired Dec. 23 by the New Madrid County R-1 Board of Education following a search which began last fall. According to R-1 Board President Ryan Eddy, 13 individuals applied for the position, with six interviewed by the board. Duncan and another applicant were called back for a second interview by the Board prior to the final decision being made, Eddy said.

According to Eddy, R-1 Board members took into account surveys completed by teachers, staff, parents and patrons in what to look for in a superintendent. He said they wanted someone not only with a strong background in education but also an individual with experience in community involvement and in educational foundations.

Duncan has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and specialist and master's degrees in educational administration from Southeast Missouri State University. In 1988, he began his teaching career at New Madrid County Central High School and would later serve as a vice principal for kindergarten through eighth grade students at New Madrid then principal for fifth through eighth grades at New Madrid.

In 1996, Duncan moved to the Jackson R-2 District where he served as an administrator, including eight years in the central office. He was hired in 2008 to work at Southeast Missouri State University as a professor in education and a major gift fundraiser, where he helped donors fund several educational scholarships and labs along with health-related causes.

"With his experience in fundraising and public relations we thought he would be someone who could improve relations between the community and the school," Eddy said. "With his experience with foundations and even in establishing foundations, we felt like he had the financial knowledge we were looking for as well."

For the complete story, see the weekend edition of the Standard Democrat.