Ankeny School Superintendent Matthew Wendt Resigns; Readers Debate His Legacy

After spending five years with Ankeny Community Schools, Superintendent Matthew Wendt is resigning from his position at the helm of the district.

The Ankeny school board approved Wendt’s resignation 5-2 at a special meeting Wednesday night. Wendt’s last day with the district is June 30.

“It is entirely my decision to step aside at this time,” Wendt said in a press release issued by the district following the meeting. “The timing appears right, and I do so trusting the next phase of my career will be just as rewarding.”

Wendt submitted his resignation to the district Wednesday.

In the release, Wendt said now was a good time for him to step aside.

“Ankeny is undergoing a significant change in key leadership positions as many of our current administrators are moving to positions of greater responsibility both within and outside our district,” he said. “I think it’s a good time for a transition to a new superintendent as part of that new team.”

The board offered Wendt a three-year contract including a 3.25 percent salary at Wednesday's meeting. It also included an option for Wendt to receive a transition allowance if he elected to resign. The allowance is the equivalent of one year's salary without benefits, which replaced a four-year severance payout previously in the superintendent’s contract.

Wendt's current annual salary is $176,513.

“I recognize the severance language added last year is not needed, and I gladly agreed to remove it from my contract,” Wendt said in the release.

Board President George Tracy said the transition allowance is "well-earned."

“It will allow Dr. Wendt the opportunity to pursue other opportunities,” Tracy said in the release. “We also know he will work hard with any interim superintendent to assure a good transition."

Wendt said he is grateful to the board for offering him a new three-year contract.

"I believe it reflects an appreciation for my work over the last year," Wendt said.

Wendt also said he is a thankful for the time he’s spent with the Ankeny school district. He told Ankeny Patch following the meeting he is exploring several opportunities at this point, none of which he wants to make public until he decides which will be the best fit for him.

“I have nothing but high esteem and best wishes for the Ankeny school district,” he said. “These five years will always be some of the most memorable to me.”