By Roz Weis,
Decorah Community School District will soon begin the search for a new elementary school principal to replace retiring principal Rick Varney.
Varney, who is in his 20th year as principal at John Cline Elementary and West Side Early Childhood Center, announced plans to retire last June. He will serve through this academic school year.
School board members on Monday discussed the upcoming application process, timeline and other issues regarding the expected vacancy.
The school district plans to send a survey to staff and parents, requesting input regarding the public’s desired qualifications in a candidate.
Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin stressed the importance of involving the staff in the hiring process. He said the key responsibilities of a new principal for Decorah’s pre-K through second-grade buildings will include leadership, an ability to foster school culture and climate, operational management, community engagement and the supporting and promoting of professional development.
The district expects qualified applicants will hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field. Other suggested qualifications listed in the drafted public survey include a minimum of three to five years of experience in education as well as a strong knowledge of early childhood education.
The sample survey also listed other preferred qualifications for elementary school principal candidates, including experience in curriculum development, student achievement analysis and leading school improvement initiatives as well as familiarity with inclusive education practices and addressing the needs of all learners.
Interested candidates may apply through TeachIowa and submit a cover letter, resume and references to Cronin by emailing tim.cronin@decorah.school. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2025. The application process and interviews will begin after school staff considers the input from the public surveys.
“We may have a candidate to consider by the Feb. 10 board meeting,” Cronin said.
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Full article available in the December 12 Decorah Leader.
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