Grinnell superintendent Dr. Janet M. Stutz retires June 30

Dr. Janet M. Stutz, retiring Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools Superintendent

By J.O. Parker

      Dr. Janet M. Stutz, the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Superintendent of Schools, announced earlier this month her plans to retire.
      “After seven wonderful years serving the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, I have made the decision with the support and care of our Grinnell School Board to part ways this summer and join my husband in retirement,” Dr. Stutz noted in a Facebook post. “I have enjoyed my time here and I am so proud of all of our students' accomplishments because of our dedicated staff.”
       Dr. Stutz has worked in education for nearly 39 years. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, principal, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, and superintendent at several area districts in the State of Illinois before coming to Grinnell in June 2016.
       Dr. Stutz said the first order of business when she took the district reins was rightsizing the district budget to live within its means. That included a reduction of $900,000 in the general funds, which included shuffling staff and offering early retirement options for teachers who qualified.
      Dr. Stutz said under her tenure the district also increased partnerships within the Grinnell community to provide different learning opportunities for students.
    “We now have 21 different partnerships including Drake Library, Grinnell College, LINK program, SLICK program and culture opportunities at the Grinnell Area Arts Council,” noted Dr. Stutz.
     Dr. Stutz added that the Grinnell district has also been working hard with local trade providers to give students an opportunity to gain hands-on specific skill sets in the areas of HVAC, electrical work and similar trades.
       And she said a program was put into place to encourage students to enter the para educator field and go on to become teachers.
       She said the biggest challenge of her time in Grinnell was navigating COVID-19.
      “That was probably the most challenging time for anyone in education,” said Dr. Stutz. “We were one of the trailblazers to keep kids learning. We didn’t see the major learning loss like districts in other states saw. Our students were able to recover pretty quickly.”
      She noted that Grinnell was a leader in navigating safety measures for the students during COVID.
     “Working with our team and the Iowa Department of Public Health, we offered vaccine clinics for students and their families,” she said.
      In retirement, Dr. Stutz is moving to Madison, Wis. to be close to her grandchildren. She also plans to offer consulting work, travel and finish writing her first book.
     “I am most certain after some time, I will embark on a new journey,” she said. “I have to be honest, I may not miss the early 4 a.m. weather decisions, but I will miss the Grinnell families, staff, community partners and friends.”
      Dr. Stutz’ last day is June 30. She will stay with the district to give the school board time to select an interim superintendent during July.
      “I will assist during the summer to ensure a successful transition,” noted Dr. Stutz. “My heart will always hold a special place for the Tiger family. I have truly enjoyed Grinnell.”