NIXA, MO -- The Nixa School Board approved Brandon Clark as their new Activities and Athletics Director Wednesday night.  Clark, who is currently in the same position at Kickapoo, replaces Karen McKnight.  McKnight will remain at Nixa, but is moving back to special education after seven years as Athletic Director.

"As much as I love the Kickapoo and Springfield community it's bittersweet," said Clark.  "It's an opportunity professionally I was looking for; a new challenge in a new community in a similar district."

Clark has spent four years at Kickapoo and will remain there until the end of the school year.  A 1997 Kickapoo graduate, Clark earned his bachelors degree from Missouri State before receiving a masters in education from Drury then a masters in administration from Evangel.  This summer he will begin working toward a doctorate at Mizzou.

"This popped out of nowhere a couple of weeks ago," said Clark.  "I talked to Karen and Mr. McGehee (Nixa High School Principal).  I just felt I needed to try it.  Springfield has been good and will continue to be good to me.  I've been blessed here.  It's a good move professionally for me."

Clark has coached football and boys and girls basketball at Springfield Catholic, Central and Pipken Middle School.

"Sports are such a passion for me.  Nixa is still experiencing a boom.  Being able to get in that growth explosion and focus my attention on athletics is exciting professionally."