Rockwood School District Superintendent Eric Knost plans to retire at the end of this school year, he announced Thursday (Oct. 11) on the district’s website.
“Things are very good right now, and please know nothing but the matter of time has precipitated these thoughts,” Knost wrote in the post about his decision. “I have been fulfilled beyond expectation and have enjoyed every year, regardless of the hurdles.”
Knost is in his fifth year as the district’s superintendent and 31st as an educator. He is scheduled to earn $256,790.85 this year.
He began his administrative career in 1989 at Rockwood, serving as the district’s director of bands until 1993.
Knost was an administrative intern at Rockwood’s Woerther Elementary from 1996-1997, before taking a job with the Parkway School District. He was an assistant principal at Parkway North High School from 1997-2002.
Knost then went to the Mehlville School District and was the principal at the district’s Oakville High School from 2002 to 2005. Then he became the north area superintendent for Mehlville for a school year.
From 2006-2011, Knost was Mehlville’s deputy superintendent, and then served as that district’s superintendent from 2011-2014.
Knost returned to Rockwood in 2014 as superintendent. He has spent 13 of his 31 years working in the Rockwood district.
“There have been many significant changes in my life in recent years, including the passing of both my parents,” Knost wrote. “My daughters (Amy and Kaylin) are in college, with my oldest close to graduating, and the years keep ticking away. I have other aspirations to consider, and I am excited to think about the next chapter in my life.”
Under Knost's leadership, the district passed two bond issues within two years, funding more than $164 million for learning projects throughout the district. This includes major science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) updates and additions in all four high schools, a one-to-one technology program and learning centers in all Rockwood elementary schools.
In Eureka, the latest bond issue is financing the addition of eight class rooms at Geggie Elementary School, which also recently completed the renovation of its library/media center; the building a new Eureka Elementary School; and a two-story STEM lab addition at Eureka High School.
“I have cherished the ability to meet and work with all of you, not only in Rockwood, but throughout my years, and I hope I have served you well,” Knost said. “I have enjoyed being in so many schools, classrooms, meeting rooms and gatherings. I will surely miss you all, but I think mostly, I will miss the students who have inspired me over the years to constantly improve myself as an educator, a leader and as a person.”
Knost has been married to his wife, Julie, for almost 23 years.
He graduated from Bayless High School before attending Webster University to receive his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music and education. He earned his master’s degree in education administration from Lindenwood University, and his doctorate in education from Saint Louis University.