JCPS names new superintendent

Jefferson City Public Schools has named a new superintendent after several months of searching.

The Board of Education announced Larry Linthacum will take the position following a vote by the board on Thursday.

Linthacum will take over for Dr. Brian Mitchell, who in October announced his retirement at the end of the school year.

The search for a new superintendent started in October when the district held focus groups made up of teachers, parents, and members of the community to provide input on the decision.

Linthacum, of Maryville, has been a teacher for more than 20 years and in his 7th year as a school superintendent.

He is the current superintendent of Maryville R-II schools, and previously worked as a superintendent for the South Harrison Co. R-2 school district, and taught in the JCPS district as a business teacher and coach from 1995-1996.

Linthacum will official start on July 1.