ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County’s largest school district is getting a new leader.
The Rockwood Board of Education has named Dr. Curtis Cain as the district’s next superintendent.
He would now cover a district with an enrollment of more than 20,000 students in an area covering 150 square miles.
Cain will begin his new role on July 1. He replaces Dr. Timothy Ricker, who has been serving as the interim superintendent since July 2021 after Dr. Mark Miles retired.
Thursday morning, Ricker congratulated Cain on Twitter:
The search
Rockwood's Board of Education has been on the hunt for a new leader since Miles' departure.
Back in June, Miles interviewed with 5 On Your Side and credited part of his exit to growing tension in the district.
In part he says, "My decision was based on the elements of my own health and the enhanced criticism was one of many factors."
Rockwood has had some rocky points this past year, including some heated board meetings over COVID policy and curriculum.
One Rockwood mom, Sara Simpson shares, "We've had a lot fighting and controversy and we need someone who can bring in calm."
The national search for a candidate was based on student, staff and public input on what the new superintendent's priorities should be and the most important qualities the new superintendent should have.
The Rockwood Board of Education was able to find someone right in its own backyard.
Curtis Cain's background
Cain currently serves as the superintendent of the Wentzville School District where he has worked since 2013, according to a news release from Rockwood. He will stay in his current role at Wentzville through the end of the school year. Prior to Wentzville, he was an associate superintendent in the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas for six years.
“I am both humbled and honored to be joining the Rockwood School District,” Cain said in the release. “This is a proud district with a noteworthy tradition of educational excellence. I look forward to moving into the district and becoming an active member of the community, building relationships and partnerships that will continue to support outstanding opportunities for students.”
Some of Cain’s accomplishments include being named the 2022 Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) Superintendent of the Year. He is also one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year.
He has a doctorate degree and master’s degree in education administration and a bachelor’s degree in social science education.
Cain was born and raised in Milwaukee. His wife, Tori Cain, is the director of student services for the Pattonville School District. They have two children – Kailey, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, and Kaden, who is in fourth grade.
Reaction
The board's president Jaime Bayes called Cain a visionary leader.
"Finding someone who’s already lead a large district, has nine years of experience in doing that, and is from this area and is known locally, statewide, nationally. He brings so many professional pieces to the table and bringing an amazing focus on student growth and their potential," she shares.
John Kaelin, who is running to be on the Wentzville school board and has two sons in the district, saw Dr. Cain's work ethic first hand.
"I have seen him go through immense challenges as the fastest growing school district in the state. Our loss is Rockwood's gain. I have no doubt wherever he goes, it will be a much better place through his leadership," Kaelin adds.
Simpson believes that's true.
"We are all very excited!" she notes.
She feels like a new wave of change is coming.
Simpson is also a leader with the nonprofit, Missouri Equity Education Partnership, and says, hearing the news of Dr. Cain is a positive.
"It’s important that all students, but students of color at Rockwood to see someone of color in a position of leadership in our district," Simpson shares. "I hope he we will be a champion for unity and bringing us back together. I think it’s a great day for Rockwood."
Bayes adds, "It’s been a difficult time in education and having someone come in with so much experience and positive energy is huge right now. It brings a lot of hope and a lot of potential for our district."
Thursday morning, Cain shared this message to the Wentzville School District:
Of all of the communications I have shared with this community, this one is by far the most bittersweet. The past nine years have been among the most impactful and special of my life. To serve, live, and work in this proud community has truly been a joy, one that I will always cherish.
With that in mind, I want to inform you that I have accepted the position of superintendent of the Rockwood School District for the 2022-23 school year.
I have learned so much over the years, but more importantly, we have accomplished a great deal that should be both remembered and celebrated. From additional staffing to numerous construction projects, to instructional programming, to ballot efforts; we have done it all as a team. The team is stronger and more essential than any single member. Ultimately, the team will persist, the work will continue, and I have great confidence that this district will continue to move forward.
My plan and focus will be to end this school year in the same manner that it began, focused on the needs of all kids, working to ensure that students and staff are safe, and continuing to look out for each other.
As an educator, parent, and patron of the community, I want to say thank you for each and every day that we have had together. I wish you each, and this district and community collectively, nothing but the very best in the bright future that awaits the WSD.
Respectfully,
Curtis A. Cain, Ph.D.
The Wentzville Board of Education shared this message:
The Board of Education would like to thank Dr. Cain for his service to the Wentzville School District. He led the District with care and professionalism through tremendous growth during his tenure and always prioritized the students' best interests. Congratulations to Dr. Cain on this next step in his career, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
Dr. Cain will continue to serve the Wentzville School District for the remainder of the school year. His resignation is effective June 30, 2022. The Board of Education will discuss the next steps in regards to filling the position in their next meeting.
The next regular Board Meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022.