I want to share two important updates regarding district leadership and our plans moving forward.
1. Interim Superintendent for the Remainder of the 2025–2026 School Year.
The School Board has selected Jeff Maeder to serve as our Interim Superintendent for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year. Jeff will be available in the district two days per week, and we are confident that his experience and steady leadership will support a smooth transition for students, staff, and families.
2. Superintendent Sharing Agreement for the 2026–2027 School Year.
Looking ahead, the School Board has entered into a 50/50 superintendent sharing agreement with Winfield-Mount Union Community School District for the 2026–2027 school year. We reached out to several neighboring districts to explore all possible options, and Winfield was the only district able to partner with us for a shared arrangement. Additional information on this will be shared soon.
This agreement brings significant financial benefit to our district. Under Iowa’s Operational Function Sharing program, sharing a superintendent generates 9 FTE of supplementary weighting. Using our district cost‑per‑pupil rate, this results in approximately $71,892 in additional funding for each district. After these sharing dollars are applied, the net cost to our General Fund is reduced to around $22,500. This aligns with the Board’s previous decision to hire staff to support a part‑time superintendent model and helps ensure long‑term financial stability.
We appreciate your continued dedication to our students and your flexibility as we navigate these changes. The Board remains committed to thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring strong leadership for our district.
Sincerely,
Todd Heck
Board President
Columbus Community School District