Survey: Next Linn-Mar leader needs to focus on diversity

MARION — The next leader of the Linn-Mar Community School District should work to hire diverse educators and “get out in front of problems before they boil over,” according to new survey results.

The report is intended to inform the school board of desired qualifications residents in the district hope to have in the next superintendent of schools. Current Superintendent Shannon Bisgard is retiring at the end of the school year.

The survey was conducted by search firm Grundmeyer Leader Services and was open from Jan. 26 to Feb. 12. There were 935 responses, the majority of those — over 60 percent — being parents or guardians of current students. Other people who responded included teachers, students, support staff, administrators and community members.

The district is taking applications for its next superintendent. Formal interviews with finalists are expected to be March 22.

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.

Some of the strengths of Linn-Mar schools includes strong community support, a focus on student achievement, strong support for all extra curricular activities, a caring and dedicated staff and strong administration, according to the survey results.

Some of the challenges include staff retention, managing student population growth, communication with staff and families and increasing diversity of staff to reflect the student body. Another challenge is “getting out in front of problems with the community before they boil over,” according to the survey results.

The district has been under fire for adopting a transgender-affirming policy last year that is in place at many other school districts. The policy spells out inclusive practices for transgender students, including giving them access to restrooms, locker rooms or changing areas that correspond with their chosen gender identity. Students in the seventh grade or above could request a “gender support plan” that calls for teachers and peers to address the student by a new name and new pronouns. The policy leaves it up to the students whether to notify their parents.

Advice for the next leader of the Linn-Mar district includes spending quality time at each school and increasing salaries for student support associates, according to a survey.

The Linn-Mar Community School District serves about 7,700 students and 1,100 employees across 12 school buildings.

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.

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