The Nevada R-5 Board of Education had a brief meeting Wednesday evening at the district's central office with little on the public agenda; but a buzz was in the air about the district's search for a new superintendent. Thursday morning, board president Larry Forkner confirmed the hiring of a new superintendent, Dr. David Stephens, who is currently serving as assistant superintendent at Carl Junction.

Stephens and his wife Kelly have two daughters, one who is 8 months old and one who is 2 1/2 years old. Stephens received his undergraduate degree from Missouri Southern State University, his masters degree from Pittsburg State University and has received his doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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He has 23 years of experience; 13 in the classroom as a special education teacher and counselor and 10 in administration, one as middle school assistant principal, six as principal and three as assistant superintendent.

Forkner said Stephens' duties as assistant superintendent were extensive.

"His experience will be valuable here," Forkner said. "His duties were in HR and operations. There were quite a number of building renovations he was in charge of. His experience fits well with the districts needs."

On Tuesday, May 20, 3-4 p.m., the district will host a "meet and greet" reception for Stephens and his family, in the Nevada High School commons. The reception is open to the public.

The district's current superintendent, Craig Noah, announced his intent to resign earlier this year, having accepted a position as superintendent of the Marshall, Mo., school district.