Davis ready for new role at RV

A familiar face is returning to Royal Valley as the USD 337 Board of Education recently agreed to hire Aaric Davis as the new district superintendent beginning July 1. 

Davis was offered a two-year contract by the Royal Valley Board of Education with a $95,000 salary for the 2016-2017 school year. 

Davis spent 12 years in the district from 2001 to 2013 working in a variety of capacities, starting as a math teacher and coach. He was then promoted to assistant high school principal and then took the head principal position at the middle school in Mayetta. 

At the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year, Davis resigned from RV, taking a principal position in Southern Lyon County USD #252.

“I went to Lyon County to try something different and see what else was out there for me, but I definitely missed the people and the community at Royal Valley,” Davis said. “I am very excited to be coming back.”

A native of rural Emporia, Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in math education from Emporia State University in 2001. Four years later, he received a master’s degree in educational administration. 

He completed additional certification and earned his superintendent license in 2011. His new role at Royal Valley will be his first time serving as a superintendent.  

“I’m excited about the idea of being able to orchestrate all facets of the district,” Davis said. “It’s always been a career aspiration of mine to become a superintendent. We have great administrators at Royal Valley, and I know we’ll all be working for the same goal.”

Davis is replacing current Superintendent John Rundle, who is set to retire at the end of the school year. Rundle has worked in the district for 40 years, serving as superintendent for 15 years.

“John is a terrific leader, and I understand fully that those are definitely big shoes to fill,” Davis said. “I am going to work hard to uphold the same ethical principles and work as hard as he did and hopefully be a successful leader as well. He was a great mentor.”

Davis and his wife, Carrie, have three daughters.