Dr. Chris Kilbride Announces Retirement after 28 Years of Service to Ritenour

Longtime educator and superintendent leaves lasting legacy of expanding opportunities and support for Ritenour students, families and community 

Dr. Chris Kilbride, who has dedicated nearly three decades of his career to the Ritenour School District, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2027.

Kilbride became Ritenour’s 14th superintendent of schools on July 1, 2012. When he retires, he will have completed 15 years as superintendent and 28 years in Ritenour, making him the second longest-serving superintendent in the district’s history behind Arthur Hoech, who served 36 years. Dr. Kilbride is also the second longest-serving active superintendent in the St. Louis region. 

The Ritenour Board of Education has begun the search for the district’s next superintendent, who will begin serving Ritenour during the 2027-2028 school year. The Board has selected McPherson & Jacobson Search Consultants to help facilitate this important process.

Community input will be an important part of the search. Ritenour families, staff and community members are invited to share the characteristics and qualities they believe the next superintendent should possess to lead the district effectively and successfully. Click here for more information about the search process and to sign up for upcoming staff, student, family and community input sessions.

Throughout his time in Ritenour, Kilbride has remained focused on a simple belief: Every Student, Every Day.

“Everything we do in Ritenour comes back to our students,” Kilbride said. “We want every child learning and growing at high levels every single day, and we want every student to know we believe in them, care about them and are committed to their success. For me, Every Student, Every Day has never been just a phrase. It is a promise that we will continue to meet students where they are, provide them with the opportunities and support they need, and help them achieve their educational goals. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, but what I will always value most are the relationships we have built and the difference our teachers, staff and community make in the lives of children every day.”

This commitment has helped shape Kilbride’s legacy in Ritenour. During his time as superintendent, the district significantly expanded programs and services designed to meet the changing needs of students and families.

Among the programs, initiatives and services established or expanded during Kilbride’s leadership are:

• International Welcome Center (Julie Hahn Center) – Provides intensive language instruction, academic support and wraparound services for Ritenour’s growing population of multilingual and immigrant students.
• Ritenour Center for Gifted Education – Provides specialized learning experiences and enrichment opportunities for gifted students.
• Husky Academy – Expands alternative learning opportunities to help students stay on track toward graduation and prepare for future success.
• Husky Health Center – Provides convenient access to medical and behavioral health services for Ritenour students.
• Husky Support Center – Provides a centralized location for transportation and for programs and services that support students and families beyond the classroom.
• Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry – District-provided space for the nonprofit organization to expand significantly to meet growing food and basic-needs challenges for Ritenour families.
• Ritenour Pride & Promise Foundation – Strengthens opportunities for community support and investment in Ritenour students, staff and schools.
• No-Cost Early Childhood Education – Expands access to early learning by providing no-cost early childhood education for district residents; also expanded the number of seats for early childhood learners by opening the Janine Milam-Haynes annex at the Center for Educational Excellence.
• 1:1 Technology – Positioned Ritenour as an early adopter of districtwide 1:1 technology, providing every student access to a device for learning.
• Competency-Based Education – Establishes Ritenour as a statewide leader in competency-based learning focused on helping students demonstrate mastery and progress at their individual pace.

“We know that to learn at high levels, some students need additional services that address food insecurity, trauma and other challenges in their lives,” Kilbride added. “It has been an honor to work with staff and community partners who go above and beyond each day to make sure our students are prepared to learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally.”

Students in the district now have more opportunities than ever to succeed after high school thanks to the Seal of Biliteracy, Ready to Work Program, JROTC, and dual credit and dual enrollment options for high school students through St. Louis Community College. His vision and leadership have helped students graduate from Ritenour High School and earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree from community college. 

Kilbride also oversaw the district’s transition to operating its own transportation department in 2016 after decades of contracted bus service. In 2024, Ritenour was awarded a $9.5 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to replace 24 district buses with electric models.

His tenure has also been marked by strong community partnerships and a commitment to strengthening connections between Ritenour and the community. Kilbride established the district’s Legislative Advocacy Committee to increase awareness of issues affecting public education and strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement through quarterly meetings focused on school and community safety. He has also been a strong advocate for student voice, helping establish a student representative position on the Ritenour Board of Education to ensure students have a meaningful role in district conversations.

Kilbride’s steadfast leadership and guidance provided balance and clarity at a time of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring of 2022, a documentary titled “Unmasked, Lessons Learned During the Pandemic” highlighted the amazing work of Ritenour educators. The documentary was produced by KSDK-Channel 5 in St. Louis.

Kilbride’s leadership has earned recognition locally, regionally and statewide. In 2024, the Missouri Association of School Administrators presented him with the Robert L. Pearce Award, one of the organization’s highest honors. He also earned the Missouri School Public Relations Association’s Administrator of the Year award in 2018 and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association’s Administrator of the Year in 2016. 

Kilbride joined Ritenour in 1999 as a seventh grade teacher at Hoech Middle School. He later served as director of Professional Development, assistant principal and interim principal at Kratz Elementary, and principal at Buder Elementary before becoming superintendent. He began his educational career in 1998 as a teacher at Stevens Middle School in Wilmington, Illinois.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education and Ritenour community, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Kilbride for his service and commitment to our district,” said Board of Education President Dr. Brad Thomas. “Throughout his career, Dr. Kilbride has always put students first. His innovative leadership, vision and willingness to embrace new ideas have helped transform the opportunities and support we provide to our students and families. Just as importantly, he has built meaningful relationships with our staff, families and our community and has always understood that Ritenour is strongest when we work together. 

“The impact of his leadership can be seen throughout our schools and across our community, and his legacy will continue to benefit Ritenour students for many years to come,” Dr. Thomas added. “We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given to Ritenour and wish Dr. Kilbride and his family all the best as he begins this well-deserved next chapter in his life.”