The Community R-VI School District is looking for a new superintendent.

Current Superintendent Nick Larson announced this week that he will be stepping down at the end of the academic school year to take on the position of superintendent at Bowling Green R-1 beginning July 1.

In a letter to community members, Larson said it was an emotional decision for him and he thanked everyone for the opportunity.

“I wanted to send out my heartfelt appreciation for the warmth, support, and growth that I have experienced as a member of this remarkable community,” Larson said in his goodbye letter.

Larson explained further to the Ledger that this decision wasn’t taken lightly because of his connections to the district.

“There were mixed emotions because I love the Community R-VI School district,” Larson said. “It truly is like a family. My wife works here and it is a district I am very passionate about helping succeed.”

Larson grew up in the Kansas City suburbs graduating from Liberty High School. He’s been with Community R-VI for the past three years and was the principal at Montgomery County before coming to Community R-VI. When an opening became available at Bowling Green people reached out to him about applying for the position.

“After doing some research I thought that I would be a good fit,” Larson said. “So I threw my name in the ring.”

Larson said in his letter that Community R-VI would have a lasting impact on his life and that he grew as a person and a leader. Larson is prideful of the relationships, collaborations, and friendships he has made. 

“I think anytime you are in a leadership role, you make tough decisions that not everyone loves,” Larson said. “That helps you grow as a leader. As long as students are at the forefront of all decisions, then you are making the decisions for the right reasons.”

Larson said some of the accomplishments he is most proud of include getting the district to pass a no-tax-increase bond issue with 87 percent approval and the focus of his staff on getting the school improvement plan in place.

“I am proud of the people that work at Community R-VI putting students first every day,” Larson said.

Larson said he will be working hard over the next five months in serving the students of the district. His biggest focus will be making sure success continues after he leaves.

“My biggest focus will be trying to help secure a great leader moving forward and then helping in any way possible with that transition,” Larson said.

Larson said in his letter that he will be taking a lot of life lessons with him to Bowling Green but he also hopes he left some impressions as well.

“If there’s one thing I could leave it would be that relationships matter,” Larson said. “Build positive relationships with students and you will be blown away at what they can accomplish. The same holds true for employees. Treat everyone like they are your own family.”