Board approves interim superintendent contract and sets timeline for permanent search with $275K–$310K posting range

The Sioux City Community School District board on March 23 approved an interim superintendent employment contract and set a timeline for a permanent superintendent search, including a salary range to be included in the public posting.

The board approved the interim contract after amending paragraph 6(a) to reflect a corrected per-diem calculation. The salary in the contract was clarified as $94,134.41 (which equates to $23,533.60 per month when prorated to include prior days served). The motion to approve the contract passed on a voice vote.

Directors then debated whether to conduct an independent, internal search or hire an external search firm. Several members emphasized the legal requirement to post the permanent superintendent position and the importance of transparent procedures and the ability to move to a consultant if the independent search did not produce acceptable candidates. The board ultimately adopted an amended timeline that directs the board to complete an initial independent search process (posting, applicant review and interviews) by May 11, with flexibility to extend the process if needed.

Board members discussed an earlier contractual deadline (May 15) related to an option to extend the interim superintendent’s contract. To align timelines with that provision, the board agreed to a target decision window that would allow any necessary background checks and contract negotiation prior to the deadline.

In a final procedural vote, the board approved including a salary range of $275,000 to $310,000 in the job posting for the permanent superintendent, with the posted range to be used for recruitment materials and adjusted in final negotiations based on experience and qualifications.

The board directed staff to post the job and proceed with the independent search process, with the option to pivot to a search firm if needed.