A familiar face will serve as the Iowa City Community School District’s interim superintendent.
Amy Kortemeyer, 55, is retiring from the nearby Marion school district, Linn-Mar, where she has worked for three years, to replace outgoing Matt Degner. Kortemeyer recently served as the ICCSD deputy superintendent from 2021-23, assistant superintendent from 2016-2021, and director of elementary schools in 2015.
Kortemeyer will start her new role on Wednesday, July 1, the ICCSD revealed in a press release on June 27.
“I am honored by the opportunity to return to the Iowa City Community School District as interim superintendent,” Kortemeyer said in the news release. “Having previously served here, I know firsthand the dedication of our educators, staff, students, families, and community members.”
The board of directors will hold a virtual meeting to vote on Kortemeyer’s interim contract at 3:45 p.m. Monday, June 29. The district contracted Grundmeyer Leader Services to assist with the search.
Interim superintendent contract is for one year, replaces Degner
Kortemeyer will replace Matt Degner as the district’s leader. In May, Degner announced he was stepping down from the district’s top leadership position due to his mother’s diagnosis with terminal cancer. He requested he remain with the district but in a new role as the executive director of secondary schools, grades 7-12. The school board approved his new position in a 4-2 vote.
Kortemeyer will lead Iowa’s second-largest public school district as it continues to navigate an ongoing financial crisis.
Her interim contract is for one year, ending on June 30, 2027, with a salary of $285,000, along with benefits including $14,209 (4.95 percent) in supplemental retirement, a $3,000 annual car allowance, and a $2,000 annual technology allowance.
Grundmeyer Leader Service will also lead the search for the district’s next permanent leader.
The district’s financial troubles emerged in January after the board of directors was asked to retroactively approve a $10 million interfund loan to pay salaries, which outpaced the district’s projections and revealed a lack of internal controls.
The budget issues required the district to seek emergency loans and $7.5 million in spending cuts for fiscal year 2027, which begins Wednesday.
The district said it may have to close school buildings as it works toward financial stability.
Kortemeyer to steady district amid financial challenges
Kortemeyer offers plenty of experience as she steps into a challenging role. She earned her superintendent’s certification from the University of Northern Iowa. She also holds a master’s degree in elementary reading and language arts from the University of Northern Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa.
In 2020, Kortemeyer was named a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Central Office Administrator of the Year, and in 2016, was selected for the American Association of School Administrators ‘ Aspiring Women Leaders Program.
“Amy brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of our district, and a proven record of educational leadership,” said Ruthina Malone, President of the ICCSD Board of Directors, in a news release.
Iowa City CSD faces a wave of leadership changes
Kortemeyer’s appointment is the latest in a series of district leadership shakeups.
The board is expected to accept deputy superintendent Chace Ramey’s resignation, who will be the Council Bluffs school district’s interim superintendent, starting on Wednesday.
Following a closed session in May, the ICCSD board of directors accepted the resignation of special education director Ashley Reedy.
Lucas Ptacek is leaving his role as secondary schools director for the Linn-Mar Community School District to become its director of high school teaching and learning, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported.
Director of human resources Nick Proud is also leaving for a job in the Davenport Community School District.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City CSD taps familiar face as interim superintendent
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen | USA TODAY Network
