District Hires Gibbs As New Superintendent

The Crawford County R-1 Board announced Monday that it hired Dr. Kyle Gibbs as the new superintendent.

Gibbs will take over for Patricia Thompson beginning July 1. 

Gibbs, who grew up in Crawford County, is currently the principal at Stonewall Elementary School in Hannibal. He was previously principal at Iron County C-4 in Viburnum and assistant principal at Gasconade County R-2. 

Prior to moving up to an administrative role, Gibbs was a teacher for 12 years at a variety of grade levels, focusing on math and science.

The school board introduced Gibbs on Thursday. 

“I’m excited to be here. I have felt welcome already,” said Gibbs, who noted that area superintendents have reached out. “I appreciate the board’s confidence.” 

Gibbs said students come first and he places an importance on building relationships.

“You will see me out building relationships with staff and students,” he said.

Gibbs also will rely on “data-driven decision making” and looking at “what the numbers are telling us where to go.”

Gibbs graduated from Evangel University in Springfield with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. In 2005, he graduated with a master’s degree in education administration from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. He completed his doctoral degree in educational leadership in June 2018.

Gibbs, his wife Amy and their four children will be relocating to the Bourbon area. He loves the outdoors, home improvement and landscaping projects. Gibbs is an avid runner and has completed marathons and ultramarathons across the country.