Daily News Podcast
Daily Newsletters
116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Linn-Mar schools ask for community input in superintendent search
The next leader of the school district could be identified by the end of March
Jan. 31, 2023 9:48 am, Updated: Feb. 1, 2023 5:57 am
The Linn-Mar Community School District's logo. (Provided by the Linn-Mar Community School District)
Linn-Mar Community School District Superintendent Shannon Bisgard (The Gazette)
MARION — The next leader of the Linn-Mar Community School District could be identified by the end of March.
Community members can participate by filling out a survey regarding the most important desired qualifications for this position to ensure the new superintendent will be a good fit for the school district and community, Linn-Mar spokesman Kevin Fry said in an email to The Gazette.
The Linn-Mar school board hired Grundmeyer Leader Services to assist in the search for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Shannon Bisgard is retiring at the end of the school year.
Grundmeyer Leader Services will produce a report based on the information gathered in the survey to be shared with the school board to advise it on the priorities the district and community stakeholders are looking for in a new leader.
The next superintendent will lead the district through a five-year facility plan. Projects include construction of a new administration building, a larger performance venue and an indoor athletic center. The district is not planning to pursue a bond issue or raise taxes to pay for any of the projects.
The survey can be found online at linnmar.k12.ia.us/news/your-input-superintendent-qualifications.
Questions in the survey include:
- What are the strength areas or points of pride for Linn-Mar Community Schools?
- What are challenges or areas for improvement?
- What professional skills and qualifications do you hope to have in a new superintendent?
- What advice would you give the new superintendent?
The survey will remain open until Feb. 8. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Linn-Mar District Office, 2999 North 10th St., Marion. If you need the survey in another language, please contact Megan Burke-Brunscheen at 319-447-3359 or email info@linnmar.k12.ia.us.
The district is accepting applications for the superintendent position until Feb. 26, and the school board will begin formal interviews with candidates March 22.
The Linn-Mar Community School District serves 7,760 students across 12 schools and has about 650 employees.
Superintendent Bisgard is ending his contract with the district two years early. He has been an educator at Linn-Mar schools for 20 years. Separation terms include the district paying Bisgard $35,000 over two years with no benefits. The board approved a three-year contract with Bisgard in June that would expire June 30, 2025.
Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com
