(East Mills/Sidney) The East Mills Community School District and Sidney Community School District School Boards have named three finalists in their search for the district’s next shared superintendent. The finalists are Steven Barber, Michael Brown, and Troy Damman.
Barber currently serves as interim Superintendent of Grinnell-Newburg CSD. In this role, he has facilitated board discussions to define goals and priorities, developed a highly effective administrative team, and led communication efforts to successfully pass an extension for the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. Barber holds superintendent licensure in advanced studies and a master’s degree in education from Iowa State University. Prior to his current position, he served as superintendent of the Atlantic CSD.
Currently serving as director of Quest Forward High School in Omaha, Nebraska, Brown has managed several departments and school efforts. These include budgeting, facilities and grounds, transportation, and the supervision and evaluation of administration and faculty. Brown holds an education specialist degree in school administration from Wayne State College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He previously served as superintendent of Boyd County Public Schools in Spencer, Nebraska.
As superintendent of Erie-Galesburg USD in Erie, Kansas, Damman has worked to restore the district’s budget from no reserve funds to proper level funds and increased teachers’ base salary by $10,000. Additionally, Damman has collaborated with staff and post-secondary institutions to expand curriculum and career-readiness opportunities for students. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Baker University, as well as several administrator licenses. Previously, Damman served as superintendent of Waconda USD in Cawker City, Kansas.
Board members have been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. As a next step, the boards and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, April 3. The boards will then discuss the candidates, reach a decision, and tentatively offer a contract. Once finalized, the two districts will release the name of the next Shared Superintendent for East Mills CSD and Sidney CSD.
The next superintendent will officially begin leading the East Mills and Sidney Community School Districts effective July 1, 2024.
