Richland R-IV School District

Richland R-IV School District is proud to share that the Board of Education has approved Dr. Justin Yates to serve as Superintendent of Schools for the 2026–2027 school year. We look forward to his leadership and the continued success of our students, staff, and community. The ability to tell a school district’s story, this is a lesson that has served Dr. Yates well during his 25 years working in education, most recently working as the Director of Development for Union Christian Academy in Fort Smith Arkansas. Dr. Yates received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Central Methodist University in 2001 and was hired by the Richland R-IV School District to teach English. During his 5 years in the district, Dr. Yates was the head of the English Department and started both a Boys and Girls soccer team. Dr. Yates was hired by the Camdenton R-III School District in 2006, spending 10 years there teaching English while earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2012 from Lindenwood University and eventually becoming a high school principal for the Salisbury R-IV School District in 2016. During his time as principal, Dr. Yates learned how to work with a staff to build a positive educational culture and climate centered on collaboration and communication. In 2017 Dr. Yates earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University before taking over the superintendent position for the Hermitage R-IV School District in 2019. During his time as superintendent, Dr. Yates was able to build a positive culture, make necessary district improvements, and hire fully certified staff. In 2024, Dr. Yates was hired as the Director of Development for Union Christian Academy allowing him the opportunity to better understand private school education. Dr. Yates has three children, Paris, a Senior at Missouri State University, Justus, a Sophomore at William Woods University and Sophia, who will be starting 7th Grade in the fall.
Dr. Yates quotes: “I am excited to be returning home to the Richland community. Throughout my career as a teacher, an administrator, and a director, I recognized that students, staff, and families are what make a district extraordinary. This community expects, and deserves the highest level of honesty, transparency, and innovation from its leadership so that we can work together to achieve the absolute best for every student in our district”
“The Richland R-IV School District has always held a special place in my heart as my first experience in education. It is where I started my career and where I am looking to finish my career. Richland has an amazing story that I look forward to telling.”