fter 17 years of service to the District Dr. James Sandfort, superintendent, will retire and will be followed by Dr. Jim Simpson, current superintendent Joplin R-8 District.

Simpson married his high school sweetheart Carol Ann 34 years ago. While the Simpson’s were never blessed with children of their own, he said they feel they have had many wonderful children in their 19 years of education.

"The Lindbergh School District has a deservedly outstanding reputation for providing excellent educational opportunities to its students. My vision for the district is that we will work as a team and partner with our community members to maintain the strengths of our school district. School districts across the nation and the state are facing numerous challenges and, just as Lindbergh has successfully met these challenges in the past, I will ensure that the District continues to meet these challenges in the future. I also believe that a school district should strive to provide well rounded educational programs for students. This means that core academics are extremely important, but so are fine arts and athletics. So, I will support all programs that help the district provide a full spectrum of educational opportunities."

"Lindbergh’s tradition of excellence matches my leadership style. My leadership style is to work hard, stay focused, and achieve at high levels, while supporting students and staff who are doing the same. The Lindbergh School District represents a community atmosphere in which people respect and help each other to be successful. That fits my personality very well."

"I enjoy playing the fiddle and jamming with other acoustic musicians when possible. I also like to read biographies of great leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, and Harry Truman. My wife and I enjoy traveling and seeing new places."

"From 1979 to 1986 my wife and I lived outside of Fredericktown, Missouri, which is not too far from St. Louis... I am excited about revisiting some of the places that we used to frequent many years ago such as The Arch, Forest Park, The Zoo, The Muny, The Fox, and many others. If we get lucky we might even get to attend a Cardinals or a Rams game."

"My wife Carol Ann and I took our travel trailer and traveled the Alaskan highway to Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, in 1986. To observe the vast and unspoiled wilderness of Alaska and Canada was a thrill. Also, the adventure of camping in such remote areas, such as Denali National Park, seemed to add to the experience."