The Festus R-6 Board of Education has extended the contract for Superintendent Nicki Ruess by one year, through the 2025-2026 school year.
Ruess, 49, is in her first year as the district’s superintendent after taking over the job July 1, after Link Luttrell retired.
This is Ruess’ second stint with Festus R-6. She had worked in the district from 2001 to 2006 as a teacher, sponsor, coach and principal before leaving for a job as the Crystal City Elementary School principal. She left that job in 2010 to become North St. Francois County Primary School principal and returned to the Festus district in 2012 as an assistant superintendent.
She has spent 16 of her 28 years in education working for the R-6 district.
“It is an honor to be here,” Ruess said. “I have truly enjoyed the transition to the superintendent role from assistant superintendent. We have a great staff, students and community.”
Doug Wendel, the board president, praised Ruess for her work running the district.
“She’s done an outstanding job,” he said. “The board couldn’t be more pleased with her performance and we could not ask for a better superintendent.”
Ruess is paid a $175,000 annual salary. Her salary for the 2023-2024 school year has not yet been set.
Board members voted 6-0 during a Jan. 19 executive session to extend her contract. Board member Marcus Shepherd was absent from the meeting.
Ruess lives in Festus with her husband, Doug. The couple has two children.