Following last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Republic School District is sharing an important update with our entire school community regarding district leadership.
After much thought and consideration, Superintendent Dr. Matt Pearce has announced his plans to retire after this school year, concluding a 30-year career in public education and 13 years of dedicated service to Republic Schools.
Please take a moment to watch a short message from Dr. Pearce:
Reflecting on Dr. Pearce’s Leadership
Since joining the Republic School District’s leadership team, Dr. Pearce has been instrumental in elevating student achievement and strengthening the learning experience for all students. His data-driven, strategic approach to teaching and learning has guided our schools to significant academic growth, placing Republic consistently among the top-performing districts in Missouri year after year.
He has also led through a period of extraordinary community growth. His proactive planning has kept class sizes small, ensured facilities remain modern and safe, positioning the district to continue preparing students for future excellence. Under Dr. Pearce’s leadership, the Republic School District has:
Doubled the number of students served in Early Childhood education with the opening of the new Republic Early Childhood Center
Constructed high-wind storm shelters for PK-6th grade students and staff
Increased the number of School Police Officers serving across the district
Built a new Republic Intermediate School and restructured student transitions between elementary and secondary levels
These accomplishments reflect only a portion of the milestones achieved during Dr. Pearce’s service.
Over the years, he has led our district with a combination of heart and steadiness – especially in challenging times. Many in our community witnessed firsthand how he balanced his responsibilities while serving as Assistant Superintendent and walking through personal hardship – standing firm as a caring leader while his daughter faced serious health issues. Modeling servant leadership, he took that experience and turned it to advocacy, becoming active as a volunteer and Board Member for the American Heart Association.
In his first year as Superintendent, Dr. Pearce guided our district through the COVID-19 pandemic, making difficult decisions with compassion, transparency and the welfare of students, staff and families always at the center. Even during that period of nationwide stress and uncertainty, he remained present, supportive and accessible. He even obtained his CDL certification to help with student transportation during the 2022 bus driver shortage – leading by example of putting people first and getting the job done. His dedication through adversity exemplifies the empathy, resilience and humanity that define his leadership. These are only a few examples of the countless moments of integrity, humility and unwavering guidance he demonstrates each and every day.
Throughout his service to our schools, Dr. Pearce has become known for his commitment to “Priorities 1 and 2” – caring for students and employees. His work has strengthened student belonging and school safety, supported major construction improvements and created learning environments where all students can thrive. He has also prioritized staff wellness by expanding employee benefits such as PTO and enhanced leave options, while also fostering a culture where staff well-being and connection matter. He further developed communication and feedback systems among employees, secured community support for multiple bond initiatives and upheld responsible fiscal stewardship – centering students and staff in every decision.
The Republic School District has immense gratitude for Dr. Pearce’s thoughtful, mission-driven leadership. He has shared that he will continue to support our schools through his role as a parent and a community member. He also noted that he is especially thankful to the Board of Education for the opportunity to serve as Superintendent and for their guidance and support throughout his time in Republic.
Looking to the Future
We are excited to share that the Board of Education has named Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Dr. Tyler Overstreet, as the next Superintendent of Republic School District beginning July 1, 2026. With 19 years in education and six years as Assistant Superintendent here in Republic, Dr. Overstreet brings both deep knowledge of our district and a strong, student-focused vision for the future. Prior to becoming Assistant Superintendent, he served as Principal of Republic High School for five years, helping strengthen instructional practices, student opportunities and unified school community.
Dr. Overstreet is known for his collaborative leadership style and genuine care for the RepMO community. He believes in the potential of every student and in the importance of surrounding learners with passionate, highly skilled educators and support staff. He values the growth and wellness of employees, and has a consistent track record of supporting staff through clear communication and opportunities for professional learning. At the same time, he is dedicated to ensuring that students have access to meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for success in an ever-changing world – especially as we align the development of durable skills through our Portrait of a Learner and future strategic plans.
As Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Overstreet has:
Guided the district’s academic vision
Managed recruitment and retention efforts
Supported building and department leaders, as well as instructional teams
Led implementation of our strategic plan
Expanded opportunities designed to support student learning and employee development
Because of his strong relationships with staff, students and families across the district, Dr. Overstreet’s transition to Superintendent will provide stability and continuity for Republic Schools.
The Republic School District will begin the search for the Assistant Superintendent of Academics position immediately.
There will be many opportunities in the coming months to honor Dr. Pearce and celebrate his contributions to our district. For now, we are grateful for his continued leadership, and for the stability and care he brings to Republic Schools every day.