Chowning exits MBVT, headed to Alton

Ryan Chowning, the current Assistant Superintendent, has announced his departure from the Mtn. View-Birch Tree School District effective summer 2026. Chowning has taken the Superintendent position at the Alton R-IV School District.

 

His fondest memories in his time with R-III are the relationships he cultivated, he told Howell County News. 

 

"My relationships with staff and students will always be number one. I love what I do and I love to develop and foster those relationships that last far into the future. Watching people grow and become better than they were before is something that will forever put a smile on my face."

 

Chowning began his career in 2009 at Liberty High School as the Science and Business teacher. He taught classes while coaching basketball and golf. After teaching at Liberty for five years, Chowning went to Eminence where he was the elementary principal. He held this position for two years from 2014 to 2016. Chowning then came back to the MV-BT School District were he was the Liberty Middle School Principal, and for the past three years the Assistant Superintendent. 

 

"I love kids and I love making a difference in the lives of anyone I encounter," said Chowning on his chosen career path. "My first principal took a gamble on hiring me for a position I was not certified in, and it showed me the love I have for kids and for education. I have never looked back since."

 

Chowning, a 2004 Liberty High School alum, graduated from Drury University in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Business. Chowning then graduated from William Woods University in 2014 with a Masters Degree in Education Administration, and in 2017 he graduated from Missouri State University with a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration Superintendency.

 

At the end of the school year, Chowning will say goodbye to Liberty administration, staff, and students. "I will miss the people the most for sure," said Chowning on his departure. "I have been fortunate to work with amazing staff members in my different roles at MV-BT, many of which have become lifelong friends. I feel good about my time here and certainly will carry many relationships and memories with me wherever I go."