Waterloo Local board accepts superintendentDr. Joe Clarkresignation after community calls for stable leadership

The Waterloo Local Board of Education voted to accept the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Superintendent Dr. Joe Clark, effective June 1, 2025. The motion passed by roll-call vote during the boardregular meeting, where several community members urged the board to use the upcoming search to improve leadership stability.

Public commenter Elizabeth Barton told the board, "there are a lot of people here tonight and we are all here because we care about water," urging the district to "take advantage of the opportunity" presented by the search to restore public forums and a "state of the schools" event. Angela Bennett, speaking on behalf of community concerns, described "a troubling pattern of leadership turnover," criticized selecting an external candidate nearing retirement for last year's superintendent search, and asked the board to consider internal candidates to improve retention.

Board members thanked Dr. Clark for his service during the roll-call vote approving his resignation. The meeting record shows the board followed policy to enter an executive session later in the agenda to discuss employment and compensation. Chair remarks earlier in the meeting noted the district anticipates reductions in state funding over the next two years and encouraged community members to send letters to state legislators.

The superintendent's final public report at the meeting said the district will prioritize resident students for kindergarten open-enrollment for next year, that open-enrollment no longer brings additional state funding, and that staff hires planned for next year include a music teacher and two intervention specialists intended to strengthen special education supports. Dr. Clark also noted the district has submitted a $40,000 project-based grant request to enhance stadium security cameras, add up to 20 computers and replace faulty entry doors, and that roughly $43,000 in grant funding had been secured for the district in the prior month.

Next steps noted by the board include proceeding with the superintendent search and scheduling public engagement opportunities; the transcript does not record a specific timeline for filling the position or whether an interim superintendent will be appointed.