After nine years in the Fair Grove school system, Dr. John Link will be resigning from his position as Superintendent of the district. Link will be moving forward to a bigger school district, having accepted a job in the Jackson school district near Cape Girardeau. Jackson is one of the largest districts in Missouri, and includes almost 5,000 students. Link comments, “I grew up about 60 miles north and have always considered Jackson as one of the premier districts in the state. The move for me will be the last chapter of my career.”

Link expresses that, “My plan has always been to retire as the superintendent of the Fair Grove R-X School District. In recent months my mother has had some health issues, which led me to consider this opportunity and a move closer to where I grew up and closer to my family. That being said, as much as we would like to think we are in total control, there are times when you are called to take a leap of faith and test the waters so to speak. I believe for my family that time is now.” Link went on to further quote the similarity of Jackson to Fair Grove, commenting on how Jackson has the feel of a great rural, family and faith based community, which in a sense resembles a larger version of Fair Grove.

Under Link, Fair Grove was able to make many major changes, which including constructing a new middle school building, as well as improvements to the elementary and high school buildings. Most recently under Link, the school was also able to add the F.E.M.A tornado shelter which is utilized by both the school and the community. “The upgrades and improvements to the overall Fair Grove District facilities have been phenomenal during Dr. Link’s tenure. Fair Grove has made great strides academically as well receiving several Missouri distinction in performance awards,” says High School Principal Mike Bell, who has served as Principal for eight years during Link’s tenure.

“It is amazing to see the transformation of our district over the past nine years. Obviously our facilities have evolved into a beautiful campus, but the dedication and commitment of the Board and the staff towards academic excellence and school safety for all has been one of the most important changes we have seen,” says Link.

Furthermore, the school board took two weeks to fill the position left open by Mr. Link, and agreed upon the hiring of current High School Principal Mike Bell. Bell will continue his current duties and start as Superintendent on July 1st.