Montezuma School Superintendent Finalists Announced

     The Montezuma School Board recently met with Grundmeyer Leader Services to review the stakeholder survey feedback and candidates for the district part-time superintendent position.  

     The survey resulted in feedback from 110 district and community members. The following qualifications surfaced for the new district superintendent and will be used to guide the hiring process to ensure the successful candidate is the right fit for the district.

• Is approachable, accessible, and welcoming
• Recruits, hires and develops a strong administrative team
• Follows through on tasks and responsibilities
• Possess strong communication skills
• Builds school and community relations
• Effectively manages district resources
• Demonstrates ethics and integrity
• Promotes a community of care and support or students

 
     The overall candidate pool resulted in 19 applicants. There were three female and 16 male candidates. Four candidates had a terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.). Eight candidates had five or more years of district leadership experience. There were two out-of-state candidates who applied.
     
​     After reviewing the candidates qualifications and references, the board choose to move forward with inviting five finalists to the district for formal interviews on Thursday, May 14. Those finalists will have a building and community tour. They will also formally interview with a mixed interview team and school board. The finalists include:

     Alan Miller  -Alan currently serves as the Murray Superintendent and has previous experience as a shared superintendent (five years) with Mormon Trail. He has also been an elementary principal, secondary principal, technology coordinator and special education director.

     Bob Callaghan - Bob currently serves as the Newton Superintendent. His prior experience includes serving as a principal and superintendent in Texas.
     
     Marcy Ubben - Marcy currently supervises student teachers for Iowa State University.  Prior, she served as the Perry Superintendent for eight years. She has also served as a middle school principal and special education director. 

     Nathan Wood - Nathan current serves as the Regional Director for Educational Services at Great Prairie Area Education Agency in Ottumwa. His prior experience includes serving as an elementary principal, secondary principal and special education director.

     Randy Alger - Randy served the Melcher-Dallas School District for four years before retiring in 2019. He served as the PK-12 Principal for Moulten-Udell prior.

     The school board will consider feedback from the formal interviews during a closed session board meeting on May 14. They hope to name a new district superintendent soon after who will officially begin their duties on July 1, 2020.