ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - The Kirkwood School District announced Dr. Kenneth Roumpos as its next superintendent. Dr. Roumpos currently serves as superintendent of Francis Howell School District in St. Charles County.

At a regularly scheduled board meeting Monday night, the Kirkwood Board of Education made the unanimous selection official. They said this concludes a national search process that included input from students, staff and the community. Dr. Roumpos will replace current Superintendent Dr. David Ulrich, who is retiring after five years.

“Dr. Roumpos best fit the Kirkwood Superintendent candidate profile, which was developed with great input from students, staff, families, and community members this fall,” said Board President Nikole Shurn in a news release. “The Kirkwood Board of Education believes Dr. Roumpos’s background, experience, and passion for education will continue to allow all of our students to grow and thrive.”

Dr. Roumpos expressed excitement about joining Kirkwood Schools in the release as well. “I am thrilled to be joining a community that is passionately committed to doing good things for all kids and ensuring equity in every aspect of education. Kirkwood Schools is a model district, rich in tradition, with a long-standing record of academic and extracurricular success and strong community support,” Dr. Roumpos said. “I am eager to meet members of the Kirkwood community, listen to their ideas and work together to build on this legacy of excellence while ensuring that every student has the opportunities and support they need to thrive. I look forward to working with students, staff, parents and guardians, and the community as we chart the next chapter of success for all students together.”

FOX 2 has reached out to the Francis Howell School District for an interview with Dr. Roumpos, and we are waiting to hear back.

Dr. Roumpos has more than 20 years of experience in public education, holding various leadership roles in the St. Louis area. He became superintendent of Francis Howell in 2022 after serving as deputy superintendent during the height of the pandemic. Before that, he spent 13 years in the Ritenour School District, including roles as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Principal at Ritenour Middle School. He also served in St. Louis Public Schools as an assistant principal.

Dr. Roumpos holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from MacMurray College. His departure at Francis Howell marks the third superintendent turnover for the district since 2020.

Francis Howell has faced recent controversies, including debates over rescinded anti-racism resolutions and policies related to transgender students. However, Dr. Roumpos has maintained that his decision to leave is not politically motivated, according to a report from our partners at the Post Dispatch.

Despite the move to Kirkwood Schools, Dr. Roumpos will continue to live within the Francis Howell district, where his wife teaches middle school math and his four children attend school. Dr. Roumpos will officially begin his role as superintendent of the Kirkwood School District on July 1.