The Raymore-Peculiar Board of Education has announced a leadership succession plan that will result in Deputy Superintendent Dr. Al Voelker becoming Superintendent of Schools in January 2027.
The transition comes as current Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle prepares for a new statewide advisory and leadership opportunity in school and public finance.
Under the plan, Dr. Slagle and Voelker will work together through a leadership transition period from October through December. Slagle’s employment contract with the district will end Dec. 31, and Voelker will assume the role of superintendent in January.
Although his employment contract with the district will end Dec. 31, Slagle has agreed to remain available to Voelker and the Board as an informal advisor providing counsel and continuity as the leadership transition is completed.
Board President Ruth Johnson said the succession plan provides continuity for the district while preparing for its next chapter.
“The Board has tremendous confidence in Dr. Voelker and believes he is prepared to lead Ray-Pec into its next chapter,” Johnson said. “We are grateful for Dr. Slagle’s leadership and for the way he has approached this decision with the best interests of Ray-Pec in mind. Having Dr. Slagle and Dr. Voelker work closely together over the next several months provides an opportunity for a thoughtful transition while maintaining the momentum and stability of the district.”
Slagle said his familiarity with Voelker and their work together gives him confidence in what comes next.
“Dr. Voelker knows this district, our people, our priorities and the work that is ahead of us,” Slagle said. “I have tremendous confidence in him and in the leadership team we have built at Ray-Pec.”
Prepared to Lead Ray-Pec Forward
Voelker currently serves as Ray-Pec’s deputy superintendent and is a key member of the district’s senior leadership team, bringing 20 years of experience in the district. In that role, he has worked closely with Slagle, the Board of Education and district leaders on district operations, organizational leadership, finances, strategic priorities and major initiatives. That experience has given him a districtwide perspective on both the work underway today and the opportunities ahead for Ray-Pec.
Voelker also brings experience at multiple levels of the school system. He has served Ray-Pec as an assistant principal, principal and district administrator, giving him firsthand experience with the work of schools as well as the broader leadership and operational responsibilities of the district.
His connection to Ray-Pec is personal. His two boys are Ray-Pec graduates, and his wife is a retired educator. Together, those professional and personal experiences have given him a deep understanding of Ray-Pec’s schools, staff, students and community, as well as a personal investment in the district he will soon lead.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead a district that means so much to me and my family,” Voelker said. “Ray-Pec is an incredibly special school district, and I am grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me. We have great people, a community that cares deeply about its schools and tremendous momentum to build upon. As we look ahead, my focus will remain on creating opportunities for every student and making sure the work we do prepares them for successful and meaningful lives.”
His appointment provides continuity in leadership while also positioning the district to move forward with significant work related to student opportunities, bond implementation, facilities, finances and long-range planning.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Slagle has served as Ray-Pec superintendent since July 2020. During his tenure, the district has significantly expanded Real World Learning and career-connected opportunities; opened the LEAD Center, Ninth Grade Center, Performing Arts Center and Integrated Learning House; expanded career and technical education and student activities; and increased its involvement in statewide educational innovation.
During that time, Ray-Pec voters also approved two bond issues supporting district facilities and student opportunities, as well as an operating levy increase supporting teacher and staff salaries.
In 2026, Slagle received the Robert L. Pearce Award, the Missouri Association of School Administrators’ highest honor recognizing the outstanding superintendent in Missouri. He was also recognized as the 2026 Administrator of the Year by the Missouri School Public Relations Association.
The opportunity represents a new chapter in Slagle’s career and will allow him to build upon more than three decades of experience in education, leadership and public finance while serving schools and public institutions across Missouri in a broader strategic capacity.
Slagle said the opportunity to move into a broader statewide role comes at a point when he believes Ray-Pec is well positioned for its next chapter.
“I have always believed that leadership is about making life better for other people,” Slagle said. “My next chapter will give me an opportunity to continue that work in a different way while remaining closely connected to public education and the schools and communities of Missouri. I can make that move knowing Ray-Pec has a strong Board, an outstanding staff, a talented leadership team and someone in Dr. Voelker who is ready to lead this district forward. That means a great deal to me.”
Looking Ahead
From October through December, Slagle and Voelker will focus on strategic priorities, bond implementation and district finances, personnel and organizational planning, community and statewide partnerships, and preparation for the 2027-2028 school year.
“There is still important work ahead of us, and I intend to finish strong,” Slagle said. “I am excited about what is ahead for me, but I am equally excited about what is ahead for Dr. Voelker and for Ray-Pec.”
Johnson said the succession plan allows the district to continue that work while preparing for the leadership change in January.
“We are grateful for Dr. Slagle’s continued leadership through December and confident in Dr. Voelker as he prepares to take on this new role,” Johnson said. “Ray-Pec has strong leadership, an outstanding staff and important work underway. We look forward to what comes next for our district.”