STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education accepted the resignation of Board President David Bova during its Dec. 16, 2025 regular meeting, marking the conclusion of more than a decade of service to the district.
Mr. Bova resigned as Board President effective immediately and as a Board member effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Vice President Eric Basler assumed the position of President until the Board’s next reorganization meeting.
Mr. Bova shared that he was recently promoted to City Administrator for the City of Ste. Genevieve and, based on the recommendation of city counsel, will step down from the Board of Education.
He emphasized that his departure does not change his support for the district or his belief in the importance of public education.
“Thank you to the citizens of Ste. Genevieve R-II School District that allowed me to serve on the Board for the past 14 years,” Bova said. “Thank you so very much to the Board for your friendship and your confidence in my leadership. And thank you to the administration and the entire district for all you do for our kids and all you will continue to do. Thank you for always welcoming me into your buildings, your classrooms, gymnasiums and offices. I will always treasure my years on the Board. I’ve often said that Ste. Genevieve R-II is one of the best school districts in the state of Missouri. I was trying to be polite to other communities. Ste. Genevieve R-II isn’t one of the best; it is the best.”
Mr. Bova was first elected to the Board of Education in 2012. During his tenure, the district worked through five superintendent transitions and navigated significant periods of change and growth, including 1:1 learning initiatives, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing tax protests, the creation of the district’s first long-range facilities plan, major facilities improvements through Prop SG including the construction of a new Early Childhood Center, the implementation of competency-based education, updates to the MSIP and APR accountability systems, the integration of transportation services into district operations, and many more. His leadership consistently centered on student-focused decision-making, real-world learning opportunities and long-term planning for student success beyond high school.
“Mr. Bova has always led with his heart—for kids and for his belief in public education,” Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor said. “He understands that strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand. His leadership helped build trust, partnerships and momentum that will serve our district well into the future. On behalf of our students, staff and families, thank you, Mr. Bova, for your years of service and your unwavering support of Ste. Genevieve County R-II.”
Snapshots of events during David Bova’s tenure.
The district thanks Mr. Bova for his years of service and leadership and wishes him continued success in his new role. Staff, students and families are encouraged to write thank-you cards for Mr. Bova, either individually or as a group, to express appreciation for his dedication to the district. Cards may be dropped off at building offices and will be collected and delivered to him.
Mr. Bova’s full letter to the district is available here.
Board Vacancy — Application for a Vacated Board Position
The Board of Education of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District is accepting
applications to fill a vacancy on the Board created by the resignation of a member prior to the
expiration of their elected term.
In accordance with Missouri law, the Board will appoint an eligible individual to serve until the
2027 school board election, at which time the position will be filled through the regular candidate
filing process.
The Board will appoint a new member at its January regular meeting. Additional information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements is available here. Community members with questions about the vacancy or application process are encouraged to contact the district