Ralls County R-II Board of Education Announces Incoming Superintendent
December 19, 2023
Ralls County R-II Board of Education Names Next District Leader
This month, the Ralls County R-II School District Board of Education concluded its superintendent search. They are pleased to announce that Dr. David Koogler has accepted their offer to join the Ralls County team. Following the unanimous approval of his contract on Monday evening, Board President Pete Hilgenbrinck stated, “We are excited to have Dr. Koogler join us as the next Superintendent of the Ralls County R-II School District. He brings experience serving in a school district similar in size to Ralls County. His proven track record of improving academic outcomes will be an asset as he helps guide our district in our continued pursuit of excellence.” While Dr. Koogler looks forward to getting to know the community over the next six months; he will officially step into this role on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Dr. Tara Lewis.
The Superintendent of Schools is called upon to oversee all aspects of the district, including personnel, finance, school facilities, curriculum, and public relations. They serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Education, to whom they provide educational leadership. Board President Pete Hilgenbrinck went on to say, “The process brought forth some incredibly talented individuals, and we are confident in Dr. Koogler’s ability to lead our schools.”
Dr. Koogler is currently wrapping up his eleventh year at Bowling Green as a high school teacher for three years and the past eight years as the middle school principal.
Throughout his tenure in education, Dr. Koogler has set and attained many goals. The following are those accomplishments of which he is most proud:
Improved morale by building positive relationships with staff-students-parents, implementing effective discipline, focusing collaboration on goals, using anonymous feedback surveys, and transparently sharing the results
Instituted RTI process within the schedule so struggling learners can get the help they need
Created and led the district-level effort of being designated a Purple Star School in honor of our
veterans
Led efforts at improving student achievement as evidenced by MAP results which resulted in
BGMS beating the state average in 6/7 tested areas in 2023 and 7/7 areas in 2022.
Created and initiated Career Ladder Program for the district, bringing in $200,000 in state
funds that went directly to teacher salaries
Wrote a $53,000 grant for Teacher Retention of certified staff and wrote $10,000 grant for
Growing Your Own Staff
Administered efforts on replacing the MS Gym Floor without using district funds
Dr. Koogler received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri in 2006. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Teaching in 2010 from Missouri State University, a Masters of Science in Educational Administration in 2014 from Southeast Missouri State University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2019 from Maryville University.
When presented with the opportunity to be the next leader of Ralls County R-II, Dr. Koogler shared with the members of the Board of Education, “I am very humbled at being offered the superintendent position at Ralls Co. R-II. Just by touring the facilities and reviewing the budget, it is evident that Dr. Lewis and the board have achieved great success together. This should be celebrated and I wish to build on this legacy by making tomorrow better than today and today better than yesterday. I sincerely look forward to meeting the good people at Ralls and exploring further avenues of success.”
Over the next several months, Dr. Lewis and her central office and administration team will work closely with Dr. Kooger to acquaint him with our community. Details regarding opportunities to meet Dr. Koogler will be forthcoming and shared on all District communication platforms. Please help us congratulate and welcome Dr. Koogler and his family to the Ralls County R-II team!