New principal named for City High

IOWA CITY – John Bacon, the principal at Lemme Elementary School in Iowa City, is expected to assume the same position at City High School next school year.

Superintendent Lane Plugge confirmed Monday morning that Bacon has accepted an offer for the job, pending approval by the school board.

He would start July 1. Plugge said they have not yet talked about salary.

Bacon graduated from Lemme and City High and also has taught in the district, Plugge said.

“He has a passion for public education and a passion for the Iowa City Community School District,” Plugge said.

Bacon would take over for Mark Hanson, City High's principal since 2001. Hanson recently resigned his position, although he and district officials have kept mum over the reasons.

About 70 Hanson supporters attended a school board meeting in February to ask the board to not accept Hanson's resignation, and many of them suggested Hanson was forced out.

The board voted unanimously to accept the resignation, noting that Hanson had voluntarily submitted it. When asked by The Gazette in March if he could clarify his reasons for resigning, Hanson said, "I really can't comment on that either."

A separation agreement between Hanson and the district gave Hanson $15,000 plus his full $126,132 salary and benefits this year. He also is entitled to “mutually acceptable” letters of recommendation from administrators.

In exchange, Hanson promised not to sue the district and to stay on the job through June 30. 

Plugge has said that it is unusual for the district and an employee who voluntarily resigned to sign such an agreement.