Cameron R-I Schools Names Dr. Lance McClard as New Superintendent

 
Thursday, January 8, 2026
 
Cameron, MO — The Cameron R-I School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lance McClard as the district’s next superintendent, following a comprehensive search process that concluded with formal interviews of four highly qualified finalists on January 5.  After careful review and deliberation, the Board unanimously selected Dr. McClard based on his extensive leadership experience, proven record of district-level improvement, and strong alignment with the values and priorities of Cameron R-I Schools.

Dr. McClard has more than twenty years of experience in public education, including leadership roles at the classroom, building, and district levels. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District, where he has led and supported initiatives focused on improving student learning, strengthening instructional systems, and preparing students for success beyond graduation.  

In his current role, Dr. McClard has helped guide the district toward deeper learning and stronger student outcomes through the integration of real-world learning experiences, community-connected projects, and increased student ownership of learning. Through Ste. Genevieve R-II’s participation in the Success-Ready Student Network, he has played a key role in advancing competency-based education practices, increased data use, and a focus on student growth rather than seat time.

At the district level, Dr. McClard oversees multiple programs and budgets, including Federal Programs, curriculum coordination, professional development, and Title IX compliance. He has managed and implemented grants tied to school safety, literacy, competency-based education, and teacher pipeline development, and he facilitates the development and monitoring of the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). He is also a DESE evaluator of CSIPs for the Southeast region of Missouri.
Dr. McClard serves as his district’s School Safety Coordinator, leading the implementation of updated emergency protocols, reunification drills, and partnerships with local law enforcement and community agencies. His work has strengthened safety systems and preparedness while ensuring supportive learning environments for students and staff.

His leadership career also includes service as an elementary principal and assistant principal in the Jackson R-II School District, as well as ten years of classroom teaching at the elementary and middle school level. He has led district-wide curriculum revisions across multiple content areas, supported professional learning communities, coordinated technology initiatives, and implemented standards-based report cards.

Dr. McClard holds an Educational Doctorate from the University of Missouri–Columbia, along with specialist, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees from Southeast Missouri State University.
He has been widely recognized for his leadership, including being named the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Principal and a National Distinguished Principal, honored in Washington, D.C. His professional contributions include statewide and national presentations, published work, and leadership roles in numerous professional organizations.

Personally, Dr. McClard resides in Ste. Genevieve with his family. He and his family look forward to becoming active members of the Cameron community and supporting the district’s students, staff, and families. Accompanying Dr. McClard to the Cameron community are his wife, Laura, a secondary school counselor; daughter, Ainsley, an architecture student at the University of Kansas; and sons, Finn, a sophomore, and Sullivan, who is in the third grade. Both boys look forward to benefiting from Cameron's high instructional standards and extensive range of extracurricular activities.

The Cameron R-I Board of Education expressed strong confidence in both the search process and their new superintendent.  “We are extremely pleased with the depth and quality of candidates who applied for the superintendent position,” the Board shared in a joint statement.  “The interview process confirmed the strength of our applicant pool, and Dr. McClard stood out for his steady leadership, student-centered focus, and ability to build systems that support long-term success. We are excited to partner with him as the next superintendent of Cameron R-I Schools.”

The Board also wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Robinson for his years of dedicated service to the district.  “We sincerely thank Dr. Robinson for his commitment and leadership during his tenure,” the Board added. “His service has had a lasting impact on Cameron R-I Schools, and we are grateful for his dedication to our students, staff, and community.”

Dr. McClard will begin his role as superintendent on July 1, 2026, working closely with the school board and district leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for Cameron R-I Schools.