Public urges stability as board accepts superintendent and treasurer resignations

Community members pressed the Waterloo Local Board of Education on leadership stability as trustees formally accepted two high-level resignations and moved into executive session.

Elizabeth Barton, speaking during public comment, said “our community is here” and urged the board to use the superintendent and treasurer searches as opportunities for greater engagement, including open forums and a return to a state-of-the-schools event. Angela Bennett told trustees the district shows a “troubling pattern of leadership turnover,” arguing that selecting an external superintendent nearing retirement contributed to instability and asking the board for a plan to increase retention and consider internal candidate development.

At the meeting the board approved a resolution accepting the resignation of Scott Pitman as treasurer, effective Aug. 1, 2025. Trustees thanked Pitman for his service before the motion passed by roll call. The board then approved the retirement resignation of Dr. Joe Clark as superintendent, effective June 1, 2025; trustees thanked Dr. Clark during the roll-call vote.

Shortly afterward the board voted to recess into executive session “to discuss employment and compensation.” Board members estimated the closed session could last anywhere from 15 minutes to about an hour; the motion passed by roll call.

Why it matters: Commenters and trustees linked stable leadership to student achievement, teacher retention and school culture. Public speakers urged transparency in the search process and more outreach to parents and community members ahead of upcoming elections for four board seats this November.

What’s next: The board has directed staff to proceed with the superintendent and treasurer searches; no finalists or timelines were announced at this meeting.