(Greenfield & Anita, Iowa) − The McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C consultants have completed Phases I & II of the superintendent search process. These phases included work with the school board and the community to identify criteria for a new superintendent in the Nodaway Valley & CAM Community School Districts.
According to the press release, the top criteria, as determined by the Board, are:
Key Leadership Qualities:
- Student-Centered Decision Maker: Prioritizes student success and well-being in every decision while maintaining fairness and inclusivity.
- Strong and Transparent Communicator: Communicates honestly and timely with all stakeholders to build trust and ensure alignment.
- Approachable and Visible: Actively engaged in schools and the community, attending events, visiting classrooms, and being accessible to students, staff, and families.
- Consensus-Builder: Unites divided communities, fostering collaboration and creating a shared vision for the district’s future.
- Financially Responsible Leader: Ensures fiscal responsibility while strategically planning for the district’s long-term financial and facility needs.
Experience and Expertise:
- Board and Community Relations: Experienced in working with school boards, staff, and community members to build productive and cooperative relationships.
- School Finance and Budget Management: Skilled in maximizing funding, managing tight budgets, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
- Facilities Planning and Oversight: Understands long-term infrastructure needs and can navigate past facility challenges and bond issues. Press Release #2—Summary of Phases I & II
- Staff Recruitment and Retention: Implements strategies to attract and retain high-quality educators in a competitive rural market.
Personal Attributes:
- Community-Driven: Fully integrates into the district, engaging with residents and understanding the values and needs of each community.
- Compassionate and Supportive: Fosters a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration among students, staff, and the community.
- Resilient and Adaptable: Handles challenges with composure, problem-solving skills, and a forward-thinking mindset.
Preferred Background:
- Educational Leadership Experience: Prior experience as a superintendent or senior district administrator, ideally in a rural or multi-community setting.
- Commitment to Long-Term Stability: Stakeholders seek a leader who will invest in the district and provide consistent leadership for the future.
The superintendent’s position will be advertised through the Iowa Association of School Boards, the School Administrators of Iowa, IowaWORKS, the McPherson & Jacobson website, and professional associations throughout the United States.
The deadline for submitting application materials is Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Steve Murley, Kim Antisdel, and Tom Ridder will meet with the Board of Education to review the stakeholder input summary and interview questions and discuss the logistics of the interview process. After that date, the consultant will review the completed files and evaluate the candidates against the established criteria. The consultants will also conduct extensive background checks on the candidates.
On Monday, March 31, 2025, the consultants will meet with the Board of Education to review candidates and assist the Board in selecting the final candidates to be interviewed.
The Board will interview the final candidates on April 7, 2025. As part of that process, each finalist will interview community members, students, staff, teachers, and administrators, who will provide feedback that the Board will review before making a final selection.
After the superintendent has been hired, Steve Murley, Kim Antisdel, and Tom Ridder will facilitate a Board/Superintendent workshop to assist in establishing performance objectives for the new superintendent.
