Public commenters press Sioux City board to disclose superintendent-search survey results and retain Jim Vanderloo

Dozens of residents, principals and district staff spoke during the public-comment period on May 11, urging the Sioux City board to be transparent about survey results collected during the superintendent search and to consider Jim Vanderloo for the permanent superintendent post.

Dan Greenwell said members of the public asked for disclosure of the survey results the board used during the search process. "We see in tonight's, specialty school, we'll see a lot of survey results, but we don't see any survey results from what the public provided to the board. I think you owe it to the public for clarity to see how the public spoke about the superintendent search," he said.

Several principals and long-time staff described Vanderloo's experience, community ties and leadership. "He has been a stable voice in this district for over 30 years," said Richard Dunn, a principal who spoke in favor of Vanderloo. Other commenters, including teachers and administrators, credited Vanderloo with aligning district leadership to board priorities and supporting staff.

Speakers also appealed for a prompt chain-of-command resolution and urged the board to act quickly to restore stability in district leadership so staff and students have clear direction for the coming year. Board members acknowledged the comments; the superintendent search process and any related votes were not recorded as final decisions during the meeting.