Witt Selected Next CCR-1 Superintendent

The Crawford County R-1 School Board announced last week that the next superintendent will be hired from within. 

Brian Witt will assume the role on July 1, succeeding Cole Byassee. Byassee is departing the district after two years.

Witt is currently the principal at Bourbon High School, following a lengthy stint as principal at the middle school.

He also has held the titles of activities director, director of instructional technology, transportation, safety, testing and summer school, according to a news release from the district.

“We are excited to welcome Witt into this new role,” said Marty de la Torre, president of the school board. “His leadership, experience and passion for education make him an excellent choice to guide our district forward. We are confident that under his direction, Crawford County R-1 will continue to thrive and provide outstanding opportunities for our students.”

Witt has been named the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MOASSP) South Central Middle School Principal of the Year and MOASSP South Central Consummate Professional of the Year.

He holds a bachelor of science in education from the University of Central Missouri, a master’s degree in education administration from Southwest Baptist University and an education specialist degree from William Woods University.

The district says he is currently pursuing a doctorate in administration at William Woods.

“I am honored to lead the Crawford County R-1 School District and build upon the strong foundation already in place,” Witt said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, students and community to ensure excellence in education and continued growth for our district.”

The school board worked with the Missouri School Boards’ Association to find its next superintendent. 

Byassee, who came to Crawford County R-1 via East Prairie two years ago, will head back down south. He has been named as the next superintendent at Woodland R-4 in Marble Hill, Mo.