R-I boards selects Lunsford for middle school principal position

Beginning Aug. 1, Kelly A. Burlison Middle School will have a new principal. The Fredericktown R-I Board of Education voted Tuesday during closed session to hire Fredericktown Elementary Principal Ken Lunsford to replace Scott Sikes, who is retiring at the end of the year.

Superintendent Chadd Starkey said the district opened up the middle school principal position last month after Sikes announced he was retiring.

“Mr. Lunsford expressed he was interested in the position after we opened it up in-house and had several applicants apply and go through the interview process,” Starkey said. “The board decided to hire Mr. Lunsford.”

Starkey said the district has the Elementary Principal position open in-house and has had several individuals express interest in the position.

“We hope to have a principal named by the March school board meeting for the Elementary Principal position,” Starkey said.

Sikes announced his retirement as middle school principal in February and will retire July 1. He will remain as  head of transportation for the Fredericktown School District.