Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education names three finalists for next district superintendent

      The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Board of Education has announced three finalists in its search for the district’s next superintendent. The district has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services throughout the search. On Jan. 10, the board reviewed materials on all 20 applicants for the position and narrowed to seven semifinalists. Ultimately one semifinalist withdrew for personal reasons prior to semifinalist interviews on Jan. 17 by the board. Following semifinalist interviews, three finalists were selected: Scott Bridges, Joseph (Joe) Erickson and Tara Paul.
      Bridges currently serves as shared superintendent of the Melcher-Dallas and Twin Cedars CSDs, where he has implemented a professional learning community process, as well as led a successful general obligation bond campaign. He holds a master’s degree in education administration, along with an advance studies certificate in superintendency from the University of Northern Iowa. Previously, Bridges served as high school principal in the Prairie City Monroe CSD.
     As superintendent of the North Iowa CSD, Erickson has overseen the allocation of the district’s $6 million general fund budget and $900,000 facilities funds annually, in addition to implementing advanced leadership structures to improve student achievement. Erickson holds an education specialist degree from Drake University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Iowa State University. Prior to his current role, Erickson served as elementary principal in the Eagle Grove CSD.
     Paul is the current superintendent of the Estherville Lincoln Central CSD. In this position, she has instituted a curriculum review cycle and implementation process to align with Iowa Core and national standards, strengthened the culture of the school, as well as improved the district’s solvency ratio from a negative ratio to more than 20 percent. Paul holds an education specialist degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She previously served as curriculum director, ESL coordinator, and equity coordinator in the Columbus CSD.
     Finalist interviews were held on Wednesday, Jan. 31 and included the board and two mixed interview teams consisting of students, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and community members. Also included in the process was a tour of school facilities and district communities. Following finalist interviews, the board received digital feedback from every member of the mixed interview teams and deliberated candidates during a closed session board meeting the evening of Jan. 31. The name of the successful candidate will be released publicly once he/she has accepted the position, passed their background check, notified his/her current district, and signed the new contract; it is anticipated the name of the new superintendent will be released publicly by Monday, Feb. 5, and sooner if possible.
    The next superintendent will begin leading the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District on July 1, 2024, but will visit the district and be as involved as possible before July 1.