As another school year recently came to a close, there are once again ‘comings & goings’ – departures and arrivals of people (administrators, staff, teachers and students alike) coming and going! This year is absolutely not an exception with a whole lot of changes headed into SY 2026-2027!

One particular individual departing is our C1 Lafayette County School Districts Superintendent Aaron Knipmeyer. Aaron is leaving following his last five years serving as Superintendent; preceded by several years on staff as well.

I visited with Aaron to share a little bit about time and tenure with the C1 Lafayette County School District. Aaron took over the reins just shortly after I came to the Advance newspaper and in the midst of the pandemic; those were interesting times for all of us.

The following is a summary of the discussion I had with him at his office recently: Background. Who is Aaron Knipmeyer leading up to the time you began as a staff member with C-1 school district? …a bit about family, other positions, education, etc….

A: I grew up in Higginsville and following graduation from high school, I earned my Bachelor’s in Education from Mizzou and began my working career. Up until becoming a Superintendent for the past five years, my entire career has been spent in Special Education. I started as a paraprofessional, became a teacher, then moved into special education administration.

My wife, Vicki and I have three children; Drake, Nora, and Will. My parents and my in-laws both reside in Higginsville.

Q: When did you come to Lafayette County C-1 and what was your role at that time; would you share any reflections or thoughts about your time in the teacher role?

A: I started in August of 2011 as the Director of Special Services. I’ve greatly enjoyed my time here serving as an administrator. I’d have to say my favorite moments have come from watching students find their inner drive and become successful. It’s a fun experience to be a part of and I look forward to more of just that in the future.

I became Superintendent in July of 2021 and will serve in that capacity through the month of June (2026). In July, the new Superintendent, Dr. Theresa Christian will take over.

Q: Could you share a few thoughts about your time as Superintendent & your reflections, feelings, and thoughts as you move forward to your next journey in life?

A: To be clear, as I’ve said many times, my decision to make a change is solely based on my desire to have more direct contact with students. That is the part of the job that I enjoy the most and the part that is hardest to obtain and/or achieve in the role of Superintendent.

Q: So what is the next journey in life for you? Is that determined yet?

A: Yes, I am heading back to the classroom to spend the final few years of my education career as a special education teacher. I have taken a position teaching in Blue Springs, Mo (SY 2026-27) Throughout my administrative career, I learned a lot from classroom observations and always told myself I would make a better teacher now. So I’m putting that theory to the test. Our family will remain in Higginsville.

BookerNote: I began covering the school board in that first year (2020) of the pandemic and those were indeed crazy times, to say the least. Of course those were significantly challenging times for Aaron, as well as the school board, staff, et al. To this day, I remain impressed at how even-keeled and levelheaded Aaron represented his role as district superintendent – especially being new to the job. Kudos to Aaron – what a tough way to begin a tenure as Superintendent!

Q: Could you say a few words regarding your time – accomplishments, achievements, and maybe what you are most proud of – as teacher, administrator and/or superintendent.

A: I keep thinking of those big things which everyone asks about, but my favorite accomplishments are things like working with a young man who needed 20 days of summer school to earn enough credit to graduate and join the Marines, and then seeing him years later as a successful adult; or being a substitute in band class and leading a piece of music with kids being astounded I may know something other than ‘superintendency,’ or working with a 3rd Grade student with special needs on his math one day, and having him give me a big smile and a hug every time I see him thereafter. Those are the types of accomplishments of which I’m most proud.

Q: Any last thoughts you would like to share just regarding your time and as you depart, moving forward on your life’s journey?

A: We always say, “Once a Husker, Always a Husker”. That rings true with me as a look at this next chapter. It was never an issue with the district which brought about this change, this departure. I was at a point in my career that I needed a change, and through prayer and deliberation, I made the decision to go back to what truly moves me – working with children. I am confident that the future leadership of the district will continue doing good work. I would also ask that all the members of the Husker Nation begin to pay attention to, and advocate for rural education. There are processes happening in Jefferson City that will challenge how our school operates in the future. Please pay attention

*Best wishes to Aaron from me personally and I’m sure from the many of us who will miss you personally – your professionalism, humor and diligent efforts in improving Husker Nation!