Grinnell-Newburg Community School
District Superintendent Search Update
January 9, 2026
GRINNELL, IA — The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Board of Education is working with Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) to hire the district’s next superintendent and is providing an update on the search process for staff and district patrons.
The superintendent position was posted and advertised by Grundmeyer Leader Services from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. Candidate names will not be released until finalist interviews, as applicants have the right to confidentiality during the early stages of the search. Some candidates may not apply if their names are disclosed before finalists are selected, particularly if they do not wish their current districts to know they are potentially seeking other employment.
A total of 20 applications were submitted for the position. The applicant pool includes four female candidates and 16 male candidates. Six applicants are from outside Iowa, representing Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Consultants with Grundmeyer Leader Services met with the Board of Education on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Board members reviewed cover letters, resumes and written recommendations for all candidates throughout the application process. GLS consultants also provided additional information on each applicant, including disclosures, work-status verification and social media reviews. Additional background checks will be conducted for all finalist candidates. At the Jan. 7 meeting, the board selected 8 candidates to advance to semifinalist interviews.
Semifinalist interviews will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Following those interviews, the board will select finalists and invite them and their families to Grinnell-Newburg for formal interviews on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Once finalists have notified their home districts, their names and short biographies will be released publicly.
Formal interviews on Jan. 21 will include a school and district tour, an interview with the Board of Education, and interviews with two mixed interview teams composed of parents, students, teachers, support staff and community members. Following the interviews, all interview team members and tour guides will submit feedback to the board outlining strengths and potential concerns for each candidate.
The board will meet the evening of Jan. 21 to review feedback, discuss candidates and tentatively extend an offer to the next superintendent of Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. The selected superintendent is expected to officially begin duties July 1, 2026.