Residents press for stability as board accepts treasurer's resignation and superintendent announces retirement

Public commenters pressed the Waterloo Board of Education to address what they called a troubling pattern of leadership turnover as trustees moved forward with personnel changes.

"Our district has seen a troubling pattern of leadership turnover," Angela Bennett told the board, saying recent hiring "did not select an internal candidate" and warning the instability harms students, teachers and the community. Bennett asked the board what steps it will take to ensure the next superintendent "is committed to staying, growing, and nurturing our schools for the long term." (Angela Bennett, public comment)

Board president recommended accepting the resignation of Scott Pittman as treasurer, effective Aug. 1, 2025; the motion passed on a roll-call vote. Trustees then moved to accept Dr. Joe Clark's retirement as superintendent, effective June 1, 2025, which also passed by roll call. During the meeting the board emphasized outreach to the community about the upcoming superintendent search and encouraged parents to stay engaged. "Our community is here, and we should take this opportunity to come together for our school," Luzette Barton said during public comment, urging forums and a possible State of the Schools event. (Luzette Barton, public comment)

The meeting record shows the board handled the formal personnel motions before proceeding with the rest of its agenda. No specific internal successor or interim superintendent was named in the publicly recorded discussion; the board scheduled an executive session to discuss employment and compensation as permitted under state law.