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Niangua R-5 welcomes new superintendent

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Niangua R-5 Board of Education has announced Dr. David K. Baker as the new Superintendent of Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Dr. Baker currently serves as the High School Principal for Pleasant Hope School District and has spent his sixteen years in education serving as a principal, social studies teacher, dean of students and has been a head coach of various varsity sports. 

“It has been a career goal of mine to to reach this position to be a superintendent of schools. It means the world to me,”  he said. “I thank my family immensely for their support. My wife is amazing. She's been guiding me through this whole process.”

Baker grew up in Papillion-LaVista, a suburb of Omaha, Ne, before moving and graduating from West Nodaway R-I High School, Burlington Junction, Mo. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, later earning a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Doane University in 2015 and Educational Doctorate in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University in 2021.

In his first nine years in education, he served as a social studies teacher, dean of students, head football coach, head wrestling coach and head boys track and field coach for Westside Community Schools in Omaha. He moved back to Missouri in 2017 and transitioned into an administrative role at Sparta Middle School as the Principal. Last year, he accepted the High School Principal position at the Pleasant Hope School District, while also serving as the head football coach. 

Baker and his wife, Taylor, welcomed their first daughter in Jan. 2020 and enjoy spending time together as a family, taking her to weekly swim and gymnastics classes. Taylor is a volleyball coach for the Tamales Volleyball Club and a teacher. The family also has two yellow labs, Samantha and Patton.

“Whenever I speak to people about Niangua, they had positive things to say. The board is extremely welcoming. I felt during the whole process. I'm just really excited as being a first time superintendent,” he added. “I know I have a lot to learn. I know I don't know it all and I know there's things that I know, I don't know, but I'm looking forward to learning. I'm looking forward to helping grow Niangua into a place that the community can continue to be proud of.”

Dr. Baker has a history of being a servant leader, inspiring all students and staff to reach their full potential. His vision is to continue improving the quality of education received at Niangua R-5 Schools.

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