School Board Takes Up Interim Superintendent Discussion Again

The school board will discuss the appointment of an interim superintendent at a special meeting at 6 p.m. today at Walnut Creek Campus Media Center, 1020 Eighth St.

Interested parties had until today to ask to be considered to serve as superintendent until a permanent replacement can be named for Peter Ansingh. The school board decided two weeks ago to buy out the remaining year in Ansingh’s three-year contract with the district, agreeing to a $225,000 severance package plus benefits.

Sign up for West Des Moines Patch's free newsletter | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Ansingh abrupt firing two weeks ago over reported differences with the school board over how to close a $2 million budget shortfall has reportedly created a culture of distrust among faculty and put the school district in a state of crisis, critics said. A former school board president said the current board had “mismanaged” the situation.

Other critics said the school board is out of step with faculty. Because of that, the district may wait until after the September school board elections to begin a formal search process to replace Ansingh.

Ansingh, 58, was hired in 2011 after being selected from 49 candidates. At the time, members of the superintendent search committee cited his communications skills and passion for education and children.

“My first impression of him was that he was a very passionate about education and children in general,” said Tammy Cline, who represented parents on the committee. “He was very easy to talk to. He brought a personal element that complemented his professional experience.” 

Cline reportedly wrote “hire this guy” in her comments on the assessment form.