Lathrop School District Names New Superintendent

The Lathrop School Distinct has named a new superintendent.

The Lathrop R-II School Board Thursday announced Dr. Adam Willard has accepted their offer to become the district superintendent starting in the 2023-24 school year.

Originally from Chillicothe, Dr. Willard is currently the superintendent at Walnut Grove in southwest Missouri. He will replace Chris Fine, who is retiring at the end of the school year after serving the district for the past 18 years.

In a release announcing the hire Dr. Willard said “My family and I could not be more excited for the opportunity to move to Lathrop. I am grateful for the chance to serve the students, staff, families and community of Lathrop R-II. I love being a superintendent and have a strong passion for leadership and learning. My goal is to work very hard for the Lathrop R-II School District and represent the district and community in a manner in which it deserves.”

The Lathrop R-II School Board plans to host a reception for Dr. Willard in the near future so members of the community can meet their new superintendent. A separate reception for faculty and staff is also planned.