North Wood R-IV School is undergoing administrative changes.
New Interim Superintendent Dr. Jeff Dodson, Jefferson City, began duties there Thursday.
Dodson, 45, replaces Dr. Karla Tiefenthaler, who resigned effective Sept. 11 for personal reasons, according to minutes of the Sept. 11 regular meeting of the North Wood Board of Education.
Dotson, a 23-year educator and former six-year principal at Jefferson City High School, resigned his position there Sept. 8 and began the interview process for an administrative position in a small to medium size district.
Dodson said he expects the North Wood board to make a decision regarding a permanent superintendent selection during the second semester.
“I missed the small to medium size school district experience,” Dodson said. “I had a great experience and relationship with support staff and the school board in Jeff City, but I was ready for a change, and North Wood is a great fit.”
While North Wood is his first superintendent job, Dodson’s former duties at JCHS involved administration of three buildings, grades 9-12, involving 295 employees and about 3,000 students.
“North Wood offers an opportunity to serve a school district with family values and provides an opportunity for a personal learning environment,” Dodson said.
North Wood’s current enrollment is 210.
Dodson’s wife, Tammie, a Department of Revenue human resources staffer, will remain in Jeff City until their house is sold and she can find local employment. They have four children, Ripken, a senior at JCHS; Reese, a seventh grader; Rylee, a kindergartener; and Rafe, 2 years.
Dodson did his undergraduate work at Central Methodist University, completed his masters at the University of Missouri and his doctorate at Missouri Baptist University.
Dodson also worked as a nine-year educator and coach at Fayette and five-year principal at Hallsville.
