The Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education has appointed Waconda School District Superintendent Jesse Janssen to be the next Assistant Superintendent starting on July 1.

Jansen is a 2001 Owensville High School graduate and holds degrees from Webster University for Business Management and a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from there. He also has a master’s from Fort Hays State University in School Administration. He is currently a superintendent in Cawker City, Kan., in the Waconda School District.

Jansen shared what he thought about coming back to Owensville in a Facebook Post from the district.

“I am truly honored to return to Owensville and serve the students, staff and community that played such an important role in shaping who I am today,” said Janssen. “Gasconade County R-2 is a special place and I am excited to work alongside our staff and community to continue building on that strong foundation while expanding opportunities for all students.”

Gasconade County R-2 Assistant Superintendent Staci Johnson shared her thoughts on Janssen.

“I’m very excited for Mr. Janssen to join our team,” said Johnson. “He is someone that has a wealth of experience that we’re really passionate about.”

Janssen has worked in education for 20 years as a high school principal and a teacher.

“He has a lot of experience in grant writing and career tech pathways. That I think is going to be really helpful to our team,” said Johnson.

Johnson said that she is excited about Janssen wanting to be a part of the community.

“I’m just excited for him to get here and get started,” said Johnson.

Janssen, a member of the OHS Scholar Bowl Team, was one of seven Class of 2001 graduates to earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He was awarded the Custom Printing Company Scholarship and a Wal-Mart Scholarship from the Owensville Walmart. He also received a Board of Trustees Scholarship to attend East Central College. He is the son of Eugene and Donna Janssen of Rosebud.