Dr. Eric Knost will be resigning his position as the Mehlville School District’s superintendent, effective June 30, 2014. He made a request to the school board on Monday, March 24 to be given a release from his contract with the district to pursue a career as superintendent of the Rockwood School District.

The school board approved Knost’s request with a 7-0 vote. The Rockwood School District will consummate its decision for superintendent on Thursday, March 27.

Many colleagues and administrators are saddened by Knost’s resignation. OHS principal Jan Kellerman had mixed feelings about his leave, “I’m happy because he is moving on to further his career but I’m sad as an administrator, colleague, and friend because he has done many great things for our district, and I hope that he can be replaced with someone of his caliber” said Kellerman.

Knost seems positive that the Mehlville School District will continue to thrive without him. “While I have never expressed an interest in leaving my current post, this opportunity brings a new challenge to my career as an educational leader. My twelve years in Mehlville have been some of the most rewarding years of my career. I’m proud of the students, staff, and the community, and I’m proud of the district’s many accomplishments. I’m confident of a bright and promising future for Mehlville Schools and I am honored to have served as your Superintendent” said Knost.

Dr. Knost also stated that regardless of where he goes in his career, his educational mission will always remain the same. “I’m thankful for the many relationships I have established and I am excited to encounter so many new faces in the weeks and months ahead” said Knost, “I value people and the environments where kids and adults are made to feel extraordinary. I remain humbled by the support I have encountered in Mehlville as well as the early welcomes I have received in Rockwood.”

The president of the Mehlville School District school board Mark Stoner congratulated Knost’s many accomplishments while serving as superintendent. Stoner mentioned Knost’s emphasis on character education, his push for the construction of a new auditorium and tennis courts, his implementation of free full-day kindergarten, and welcoming the addition of Riverview Transfer Students. “The Mehlville School District has a strong leadership team in place and our dedication to student achievement and success will not be interrupted during our search for a new superintendent” said Stoner.