Will Darter is superintendent of Everton R-III
Will Darter chose to champion rural education.
The superintendent of the Everton R-III School District began his career in an urban setting before coming to rural Dade County with about 170 students and, at the time, declining enrollment.
One of the first changes he made: a fresh coat of paint.
“We had about 135 folks that came onto our campus — all stakeholders from every area of our community — and we painted these walls of the hallway,” says Darter.
That work — which also involved refreshed learning spaces and a new strategic plan — was part of a commitment and an affirmation: Everton kids deserve a great experience. And, since Darter’s arrival more than three years ago, enrollment has increased.
“One of the big reasons that we put updating our school as one of (our highest priorities) wasn’t because we were hoping to have a state-of-the-art cool school,” Darter says. “It was because people believe what they see, and as they saw us taking care of our kids, then they were like, ‘OK. This is important to the school to take care of kids. How can we get behind this?’”
Other focuses include supporting apprenticeships in education, healthcare and facility management; helping students earn industry-recognized credentials; and prioritizing new facilities like a school farm. Some of this is made possible by grants — which he uses artificial intelligence to find and apply for — but also by leaning into community and finding win-win partnerships, such as with local vendors.
“I think in rural education, we’re like, ‘Oh, we don’t have a lot of money,’ or the ‘scarcity’ mindset,” Darter says, acknowledging those realities. “But where we don’t have those resources, we make up for in great partners. And if we can put the needs of our students first, it’s amazing what we can all do for kids.”
Who inspires you? Send your suggestions of individuals moving the needle in your community to Kaitlyn McConnell, the CFO’s writer in residence, at kmcconnell@cfozarks.org.
