Dr John Mulford

At a special meeting on March 8, the Fayetteville Board of Education voted unanimously to extend an offer of employment and negotiate a contract for the superintendent’s position with Dr. John Mulford, currently the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, MO. The contract would begin with the 2023-24 school year.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this position to Dr. Mulford," said Nika Waitsman, president of the Board. “We had an excellent pool of candidates, and after a careful review and numerous interviews, we are confident that we’ve made a strong choice to lead Fayetteville Public Schools. In the years ahead, our school district will benefit greatly from the wealth of experience and dedication to public education that Dr. Mulford brings with him to this role. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Mulford and his family to Fayetteville.”

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the next superintendent for Fayetteville Public Schools,” said Dr. Mulford. “During my interview with the Board of Education, I was inspired by their collective commitment to excellence while prioritizing the uniqueness of each individual. My wife and I are excited to become part of the Fayetteville community and look forward to the great things we will accomplish together. Go Bulldogs!”

Dr. Mulford will be the 14th superintendent in the 152-year history of Fayetteville Public Schools. He will succeed Dr. John L Colbert, who is retiring in June after a 47-year career with the district.