Dr. Tucker Announces Retirement at Conclusion of '25-'26 School Year

Dr. M. Jeremy Tucker, superintendent of Liberty Public Schools, announced Wednesday, October 22, 2025, his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, after serving the past 12 years as our superintendent.

"Serving as your superintendent has been an honor and a privilege," said Dr. Tucker. "The LPS community has been truly incredible and so supportive to our family since we first arrived here. The future is bright for Liberty Public Schools, and I couldn't be more proud of our district."

Dr. Tucker's last day will be June 30, 2026. The timing of this announcement will allow the Board of Education to conduct a thorough search for the next superintendent and to provide a seamless leadership transition.

A public educator for nearly 30 years, Dr. Tucker became Liberty's superintendent on July 1, 2014. He had previously served as the superintendent in the Logan-Rogersville R-VIII School District for the previous 6 years. In total, his time in Logan-Rogersville spanned 15 years, in the positions of teacher, coach, and principal. He also served as an assistant principal in the Dallas County R-I School District in Buffalo, MO.

As part of his tenure in Liberty Public Schools, Dr. Tucker has guided the district through several iterations of the strategic planning process, leading to the LPS Vivid Vision and Graduate Profile, which have become a staple within the district's framework. Real-world learning opportunities for students, and ongoing community partnerships and engagement has also become a staple during Dr. Tucker's tenure.

Additionally, voters have approved two bond issues, the most recent in April 2023, which was the largest bond issue in the history of Liberty Public Schools at $120 million and gained a voter approval rate of 80%. Projects made possible by the bond approvals have provided students and staff with innovative learning spaces to increase learning opportunities for all.

A personal highlight for Dr. Tucker was when he was named the 2019 Missouri Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Within the announcement, MASA shared the following: "He is dedicated to a ‘student-centered’ approach to education and other educational leaders in Missouri and across the country call on Dr. Tucker for his insights into the best ways to effectively guide the learning process in a school district."

"The Board of Education is grateful for the incredible leadership that Dr. Tucker has provided this district for the past 12 years," said LPS Board President Karen Rogers. "The longevity that he provided us in his role is truly remarkable, and he provided us with much-needed stability in his role as superintendent. He is a transformational leader who has remained focused on providing the best educational opportunities for our students."

In the coming weeks, the LPS Board of Education will determine a process and timeline for selecting the next superintendent.

"The advanced notice that Dr. Tucker has given us of his upcoming retirement allows us ample time to initiate a search for Liberty's next leader," said Rogers. "We look forward to including students, staff, parents, and the LPS community in helping define the role of Liberty's next superintendent."