Mehlville Superintendent announces retirement in August
Posted on 01/19/2023
Mehlville School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines announced plans to retire August 31, 2023. Dr. Gaines will have completed 28 years in education – including 22 years as a superintendent.
Through the vision and leadership of Dr. Gaines, Mehlville School District has expanded opportunities and choices for students. Through the creation of MOSAIC Elementary School, Middle School Academies, MyPath and other innovative practices, the district is now known on a national level as a model for personalized student learning.
“I have approached my time in Mehlville with a continuous improvement mindset,” Dr. Gaines said. “My desire is, and has been, to leave the district in better condition than it was when I arrived.”
During his eight years as superintendent for Mehlville School District, Dr. Gaines has:
- Expanded personalized learning as showcased through MyPath, a high school course that students design around their own interests; participation in the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies; the creation of MOSAIC Elementary, a school of innovation; and the launch of Middle School Academies.
- Built trust with the community, as evidenced by the passage of Prop R (a tax increase to restore programs and services), Prop A (a tax transfer to fund roofing projects) and Prop S (the first bond issue supported by the community in almost 30 years). Prop S is improving safety and providing critical facilities upgrades at all of the district’s schools.
- Advocated on the state and national level for students and teachers as president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
- Earned the district numerous accolades including being named an AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse District, selected as a League of Innovative Schools and a National District of Character.
“Dr. Gaines has proven time and again that he is an avid advocate for children and public education,” said Board of Education President Peggy Hassler. “He has taken a strategic, data driven approach to everything he accomplishes in the district. Through Dr. Gaines’ vision and leadership, the Mehlville School District has seen growth and improvement in many areas including academic achievement, community involvement and capital improvement projects. On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank Dr. Gaines for his dedication and leadership and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The Mehlville School District Board of Education is finalizing its plan to hire the next superintendent. More information will be announced at a later date.
“Although my days as your superintendent are now numbered, I am eager to assist in making this as smooth of a transition as possible,” Dr. Gaines said. “I’m not planning on slowing down throughout my remaining time. We have a lot of exciting projects and opportunities, including a ballot issue to support competitive teacher and support staff salaries, and continued construction progress from Prop S. Mehlville School District has a bright future and there is much still to achieve.”