Northwest R-1 school officials recently promoted Travis Dierker to take over as the district’s chief operating officer next school year, overseeing operational functions and fiscal responsibility in the district.
Dierker is the district’s current finance director and will replace chief operating officer Mark Janiesch, who is leaving at the end of this school year to take a job as chief financial officer of the Lindbergh School District in St. Louis County. His last day with Northwest R-1 will be June 30, 2026.
Dierker will begin his new role July 1, 2026; his annual salary will be $139,200 as chief operating officer. His current salary is $96,660.20.
Janiesch is paid $142,445.37 this school year as the chief operating officer.
Northwest’s co-interim Superintendent Doréan Dow said Dierker was chosen from among 18 candidates.
Dow said Dierker was selected because he is “well-suited” for the role due to his experience, multiple degrees and certifications, attention to detail and commitment to the district.
“He is a caring, student-centered individual who understands the big picture of school finance and will work hard to help our district realize our strategic planning goals of providing meaningful educational experiences for students, maintaining robust salary and benefits packages for our staff, and ensuring fiscal stability for our district,” she said.
Dierker, who has worked for the Northwest district since November 2021, said in a written statement that he is “grateful and honored” to receive the promotion.
“Having served as director of finance, I look forward to building on the work already under way while collaborating with our leadership team to ensure strong operations and sound financial stewardship,” he said in a written statement. “I’m excited to continue supporting our students, staff and community as we work toward the district’s long-term goals.”
Dierker earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Methodist University in 2009, a master’s degree in business administration from Missouri Baptist University in 2010 and a master’s degree in public policy administration from the University of Missouri in 2018. He is a certified administrator in school finance operations through the Missouri Association of School Business Officials.
Before joining the Northwest R-1 district, he worked in the banking industry from 2005-2014. He was an alderman for the city of St. Clair from April 2010 to December 2013 and was city administrator from January 2014 through November 2021.