James L. Ruse, Gallatin R-5 High School Superintendent from 1990 to 2010, was honored by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) in 2018 for his service to public education. Ruse was one of eight former educators to receive the association’s Outstanding Emeritus Educator Award. This special recognition was made during the awards banquet at the MASA Spring Conference on April 4, 2018,  at The Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark.

MASA presents the award annually to recognize individuals for their length of administrative service, their participation in MASA while an active member, significant accomplishments as a school administrator and for their continued interest in public education since retiring. Ruse was nominated for the award by his colleagues in the Northwest MASA District.

Jim Ruse of Gallatin, MO, was appointed Presiding Commissioner of Daviess County in 2018.

Jim completes 44 years of service this spring. In addition to his 20 years at the helm of Gallatin R-5, he has most recently served eight years as assistant superintendent at Chillicothe R-2 (2010-2018). He also served five years as superintendent at Fairfax R-3 (1985-1990), nine years as principal at Northeast Nodaway (1976-1985), and taught two years at Northeast Nodaway (1974-1976).

He has three degrees from Northwest Missouri State University at Maryville, B.S Ed., MS Ed, and Spec. in Ed.

Appointed Daviess County Presiding Commissioner

On Aug. 14, 2018, Governor Michael Parson announced the appointment of Jim Ruse of Gallatin, MO, as the Daviess County Presiding Commissioner. Ruse was the successful Republican candidate in the Primary Election and has no opposition in the General Election. The office was recently vacated by Randy Sims, who resigned to move to Florida.

Jim and his wife Sheila reside in rural Gallatin. Sheila is retired from Social Security with 33 years service. They have two daughters. Their daughter Kimberly Critten and husband Kent are the parents of three children, Klark Critten and Taylor and Trace Rardon. Their daughter Jacque Presswood and husband Andy have one son, Levi.