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Incoming Southeast Polk superintendent Tony Ellsworth outlines priorities as Dirk Halupnik retires
Summary
Southeast Polk Superintendent Dirk Halupnik said he will retire at the end of the month and introduced Dr. Tony Ellsworth as his successor on the district podcast. Ellsworth described his background, emphasis on communication, and a goal to balance districtwide systems with local school autonomy.
Dr. Dirk Halupnik, superintendent of the Southeast Polk Community School District, said on the district podcast that he will retire at the end of the month after more than 35 years in education and introduced Dr. Tony Ellsworth as the district's soon-to-be new superintendent.
On the podcast, Dr. Tony Ellsworth outlined his career and what he plans to emphasize in Southeast Polk. "I've been at Pleasantville as a superintendent for the last 12 years," Ellsworth said, tracing earlier roles as a teacher, coach and activity sponsor at Waukee, administrative posts including an assistant principalship in Oskaloosa and work at Ankeny High School, and a principalship in Carlisle. He named mentors including Dr. Brad Buck and Brenda Colby as influential in his development.
Ellsworth told listeners he was drawn to Southeast Polk because the district "truly encompasses elements of rural Iowa, suburban, and urban areas," and said his experience in growing districts informed that interest. He stressed a leadership approach that pairs districtwide systems with flexibility for individual schools: "You want to balance those things and not be so rigid that we're losing the elements that make each building and each community unique," he said.
On communications, Ellsworth said families can expect more frequent updates from the superintendent's office and that he intends to continue successful outreach practices while fine-tuning some efforts. He acknowledged the district's communications coordinator, Genie, who is wrapping up her time with the district, and said he looks forward to building on existing work.
Ellsworth described his leadership style as "visionary, driven and collaborative," and emphasized relationships with staff, students and families as central to his work. He cited visible community support — Ram Pride, attendance at events and active local involvement — as a district strength.
Halupnik used the episode as his final podcast before retirement and thanked the Southeast Polk community. "Serving this district has truly been the honor of my 35-year career in education," he said, expressing gratitude to staff, families and students.
No board action or formal appointment date was discussed on the podcast; Halupnik framed his retirement as occurring "at the end of the month," and Ellsworth described plans to continue listening and learning as he transitions into the role.
