Welcome to the Aurora R-VIII School District!

On behalf of the Board of Education, District leaders and other stakeholders – thank you for taking some time to review the various details of Houn’ Dawg Nation! 

 It is my honor to serve the community as Superintendent of Schools.  Aurora has a rich tradition of success in multiple facets. 

 I believe that I serve five (5) specific areas – those areas are (in no order):

• Parents/Guardians – these individuals have entrusted the school with the care/well-being of their children.

• Community Patrons – as a Public School, we indirectly serve the patrons by preparing the workforce of ‘tomorrow’.

• Board of Education – these are elected representatives of the community, and my role is to serve as a liaison between the Board of Education – staff and students.

• Faculty/Staff – any school is only ‘as good as’ the faculty/staff and EACH JOB within the school is vital to the school’s growth/progress! 

• Students – a 21st century student has tremendous opportunities, and our job is to provide necessary academic skills, while assisting each student to identify their future post High School ‘path’.

 As I’ve said many times – the burden is great, but the outcome can be greater!  Serving as an educator is my passion!  There is no better profession (although I’m a bit biased).

 As the Superintendent in Aurora – I will continue to assist in the implementation of the Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP); plus seek to solidify the mission of Providing students with the SKILL SETS necessary for INDIVIDUAL GROWTH and SUCCESSS! I hope to do that by – recruiting new staff and retaining our current staff; responsibly utilizing the district’s resources to improve the comprehensive academic experience; and, acting as an ambassador for the School District!  I commit to always being PREPARED, PROFESSIONAL and PRESENT!  Working in these areas will continue to allow the district to Reach NEW Heights!

 If I can ever assist anyone with anything, please do NOT hesitate to contact me at 417-678-3373 or via email at byocom@aurorar8.org. 

It will be a GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

 Ben Yocom

#LocateYourJoy

#WhenInDoubtBeNice

#DKOD

Dr. Ben Yocom Fast Facts

Spouse: Wife, Michelle.

Children:

• Daughter-Brynna, a junior at Grandview University (Des Moines, IA).

• Son-Drake, and his wife, Caitie, live in Wichita Falls, Texas with their two children,

• McKenna (7 years old) & Emerson (9 months old). Drake is a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force.

• Bonus Son-Hayden (10 years old) has been with Dr. & Mrs. Yocom since he was 2 years old.  

Hometown: Reeds Spring, MO; graduated RSHS - 1997

College Alma Mater & Year Graduated:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Iowa Wesleyan University (Mount Pleasant, IA)-2001

• Master in Secondary Admin (MA) – William Woods University (Fulton, MO)-2005

• Specialist in District Admin (EDS) – William Woods University (Fulton, MO)-2008

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed D) – Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO)-2012

Career:

• Milan (MO) Superintendent of Schools (2014–2022)

• Plato (MO) Superintendent of Schools (2011–2014).

• Houston (MO) High School Principal (2007-2011)

• Cuba (MO) High School Principal (2005-2007)

Favorite Book: Leading Change in Your School (Author Dr. Douglas Reeves)

Favorite Educator: Mr. Kim Marshall, who gathers a weekly synopsis of current educational events and shares in a publication called “The Marshall Memo.”

Hobbies/Interests: Avid UNC Tar Heels’ Fan; History Buff; Bass Fisher; Sunday School Teacher.