The Ottumwa 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 students, staff, and our community.

The superintendent position was posted and advertised by Grundmeyer Leader Services from December 16, 2025, through January 18, 2026. Candidate names will not be released until finalist interviews, as applicants have the right to confidentiality during the early stages of the search.

A total of 19 applications were submitted for the position. The applicant pool includes four female candidates and 15 male candidates. There were nine applicants from outside Iowa; states represented include Arizona, Indiana, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. Eight of the candidates have earned their doctorate.

Consultants with Grundmeyer Leader Services met with the Board of Education on Monday, January 26. Board members reviewed cover letters, resumes, and written recommendations for all candidates throughout the application process. At the January 26 meeting, 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 January 26 meeting, the board selected six candidates to advance to semifinalist interviews.

Semifinalist interviews will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, February 3. Following those interviews, the board will select finalists and invite them and their families to Ottumwa for formal interviews on Tuesday, February 10. Once finalists have notified their home districts, their names will be released publicly.

Formal interviews on February 10 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 on the evening of February 10 to review feedback, discuss candidates, and tentatively extend an offer to the next superintendent of the Ottumwa Community School District. The selected superintendent is expected to officially begin duties on July 1, 2026.