The Montgomery County R-II School District will have a new assistant superintendent when school resumes in two months.

Dr. Stacy Ray was hired to take over assistant superintendent duties for the 2026-27 school year, effective July 1. She will replace Dr. Jocelyn Schluss, who plans to retire as assistant superintendent on June 30.

Ray worked the past 14 years as directors of both curriculum and early childhood at the Hazelwood School District. She will be working in her 24th year of education at R-II.

A Warrenton resident for over 20 years, Ray is no stranger to Montgomery County as she has visited there several times. Her children even took driving tests in the county.

“I have three sons, all who have grown up playing sports in the area,” Ray said. “I have spent many a night sitting in the visitor stands at the Montgomery football field. I’m excited to be able to view from the home side now. I found out about the position from one of the members of the leadership team. They had called me about the posting and asked me to look into it. The more I thought about it, the more I knew I had to apply.”

Ray will join an administration team that will also have a new superintendent in Dave Samuel. Samuel was hired to take over district leader duties as current superintendent Dr. Brian White plans to retire from education on June 30.

“There is something exciting about the possibilities that come with building a new team,” Ray said. “In my conversations with Dr. Samuel, it has become evident that he shares my enthusiasm for the work ahead. While every new school year brings a sense of excitement and renewal, this year feels particularly special because of the opportunities we have to work together in service of our students and staff. I look forward to the positive impact we can make as a team.”

Ray began her education career as a high school social studies and at-risk teacher at Warrenton. She also worked as a middle school administrator at the Warrenton and Wentzville school districts before heading to Hazelwood.

While she was working as early childhood director at Hazelwood, Ray led the second-largest early childhood education program in Missouri. The program was recognized as the Missouri School Boards Association Early Childhood Program of the Year for 2025-26.

Ray said the best part of working in education is interacting with the students and staff members.

“Having worked at every level of education, I have witnessed some of the most meaningful milestones in a student’s life — from the excitement of learning to read for the first time to the pride of walking across the graduation stage,” Ray said. “Knowing that you played even a small role in those accomplishments is incredibly fulfilling.”

This fall, Ray will be working at a school district that has a high school, middle school and two elementary schools.

“My goals are pretty simple: get to know the students, staff and community,” Ray said. “And to continue making Montgomery County a great place for all members of the community. I want to be able to support the staff and parents to make sure all students are successful.”

Ray graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree and Missouri Baptist University with Master’s and Doctorate degrees.