A Tipton alumnus who has spent the past 13 years as superintendent of a neighboring district will return home in July to take over the top role.

At a special meeting Dec. 21, the Tipton R-VI Board of Education named Nathan Bestgen their new superintendent beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Bestgen’s education career spans 21 years, including a previous stint at Tipton as a history, social studies, and physical education teacher. He’s spent the past 13 years as superintendent of the Clarksburg C-II School. Bestgen is a graduate of Missouri Valley College, where he earned his bachelor of science in education degree, and a master’s in education administration from William Woods. In a statement, Bestgen says he is, “grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and its students,” and as superintendent will, “focus on supporting staff, strengthening partnerships with families and the community, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for success.”

Bestgen will take over for interim superintendent Julie Dill, who assumed the role this past summer following the retirement of previous superintendent Terry Robinson.