Santa Fe High School Principal Paula Brown will be changing offices over the summer, as she’ll become the district’s next superintendent.

The Santa Fe R-X Board of Education confirmed Brown as the district’s new leader during their meeting Thursday, Nov. 20. She’ll succeed the retiring superintendent Derek Lark, who says he believes Brown will do a great job in the role.

Lark says with Brown already in the building, the two are beginning the process of preparing her to take over as superintendent July 1.

With Brown’s promotion announced, the search now turns to finding Santa Fe’s next high school principal.

Also at Thursday night’s meeting, Lark reported to the board that Santa Fe again led I-70 Conference schools with an 89.8% in the state’s annual performance ratings. He also commended the Chiefs football, cheer, and volleyball teams for their grade point averages, which have been submitted to MSHSAA for statewide recognition.