Dana Beussink named next Superintendent of Leopold R-III School District

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

LEOPOLD, Mo., (KBSI) — Leopold R-III School District announced that Dana Beussink has been named the district’s next superintendent. She will assume the role July 1, 2026.

Beussink, a Leopold alumna, currently serves as the district’s K-12 principal. A 2000 graduate of Leopold High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in exceptional child education in 2004, a master’s degree in exceptional child education in 2013 and a master’s degree in administration in 2017 from Southeast Missouri State University. She received her education specialist degree from the university in 2021.

Beussink is in her 22nd year in education. She spent 15 years teaching before moving into administration in 2019, with experience in the Special School District of St. Louis and Perry County School District 32 before returning to Leopold. She has served as an administrator in the Leopold R-III School District for the past 6½ years.

She will succeed Superintendent Matt Britt, who will remain in the position through June 30, 2026.

“Mrs. Beussink is the right leader at the right time to lead Leopold R-III,” Board President Jason Van de Ven said. “She brings vision, expertise, passion and dedication and is ready to inspire growth and continued success for both students and staff.”

Beussink said she is honored to continue serving the district in her new role.

“This district means so much to me, not only as an educator and administrator, but also as an alumnus and parent,” Beussink said. “I have tremendous admiration for our educators and look forward to supporting them as we continue doing what is best for our students and community.”