Iowa Educator Chosen as New School Superintendent

David Dude, currently the chief operating officer for the Iowa City Community School District, has been named the top finalist to become Decatur’s next school superintendent.

The move came during Friday morning’s specially called meeting of the Decatur City School Board.

Phyllis Edwards resigned back in March after 12 years on the job, the AJC reports, but is staying until a replacement can be found.

The board will consider approving Dude’s contract on Oct. 19.

Here is a statement released late Friday morning from Decatur’s school system:

Dude is from the Iowa City Community School District where he serves as the Chief Operating Officer responsible for nearly all aspects of operational efficiency and effectiveness in the district. As Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Dude helped academic and curricular initiatives prosper by transforming infrastructure, technology and operational support. After designing and implementing a district-wide technology initiative, he led the district’s Facilities Master Planning process, leading to the adoption of a 10-year plan which includes three new 500-student elementary schools and a new 1500-student comprehensive high school.

The Board selected Dr. Dude following a robust national search facilitated by consulting firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA). A key component of the search was soliciting input from stakeholders regarding the characteristics the new Superintendent should possess. HYA met with 360 stakeholders including students, staff, parents and community members and received nearly 700 responses to the online survey.

More than eighty-five applications were received from thirty-eight states. Current superintendents represented 20% of the applicant pool and assistant superintendents, chiefs and deputy superintendents represented 25-30% of the pool. The Board reviewed applications and selected applicants to interview. Semi-finalist candidates were selected and invited back for a second interview with the Board. A community panel interviewed the semi-finalist candidates and provided feedback to the Board.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff, students, parents and community members for taking the time to share input to inform this process,” said Board Chair Garrett Goebel. “Also, thank you to the members of the community interview panel for the many hours of work to provide valued feedback. We are confident that we have found the right leader for City Schools of Decatur.”