The Raymore-Peculiar School District Board of Education has selected Kari Monsees to serve as superintendent of the district, effective July 1, 2013. </p><p>In a special meeting on Dec. 1, the board approved hiring of Monsees. The board met in another special meeting Dec. 4, to approve his contract.</p><p>Monsees is currently the Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Superintendent in the Wentzville School District, located in western St. Charles County, near St. Louis. The Wentzville School District has an enrollment of about 13,680 students.</p><p>School board members were pleased with the pool of candidates who applied for the superintendent position, and interviewed six people.</p><p>In explaining the selection of Monsees, Ray-Pec school board members said they were impressed with his financial expertise, leadership skills, and his familiarity with and enthusiasm for the initiatives currently under way in the Ray-Pec School District. Monsees said he is excited about the adoption of the International Baccalaureate program. He has experience in implementing one-to-one technology learning opportunities, and also has been involved in successful bond and levy campaigns and construction projects.</p><p>In the area of school finance, Monsees has received special recognition. Last spring, the Association of School Business Officials International awarded the Wentzville School District the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and issuance of its 2011-2012 budget. He has been nominated three times for the School Business Official of the Year award, which is presented annually by the Missouri Association of School Business Officials. He is chairman of the MoASBO Ethics Committee and has been a presenter at MoASBO conferences.</p><p>&#x201C;Ray-Pec has a reputation for high achievement, and I look forward to continuing that focus moving forward,&#x201D; Monsees said. &#x201C;A quality school district helps the community grow and prosper in so many ways, most importantly by preparing students for success in all aspects of life.</p><p>Before joining Wentzville, Monsees served as an assistant superintendent for five years in the Warrensburg School District. He was also the high school principal for one year and assistant principal for three years in the Moniteau County R-I School District. </p><p>Monsees is a graduate of Smithton High School. He received a bachelor&#x2019;s degree in secondary math education and secondary physical education from the University of Central Missouri, and completed his student teaching in the Lee&#x2019;s Summit School District. He also earned his master&#x2019;s degree in secondary school administration and an educational specialist degree in school district administration from UCM. He has completed the requirements for a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia and will receive his degree later this month.