The Central DeWitt Community School District Board of Education would like to provide an update on the superintendent hiring process. The board recently met with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services to review the candidate pool and has announced three finalists in its search for the district’s next superintendent.
The position was posted and resulted in a total of 11 candidates, including one from outside the state of Iowa. The pool included six male candidates, four female candidates, and one candidate who chose no response. Among them, 10 applicants hold specialist/six-year degrees, while one holds a terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.).
The three finalists are Tim Felderman, Dr. Stephanie Mishler, and Derek Philips.
TIM FELDERMAN
Felderman currently serves as high school principal in the West Delaware County CSD, overseeing instructional leadership, staff evaluation, and student discipline for 490 students. Throughout his tenure, he has developed federally recognized apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with staff. Felderman holds an advanced studies certificate in superintendency from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. He was recently elected as the 2024-25 vice president of the School Administrators of Iowa and previously served as high school principal in the Howard-Winneshiek CSD.
DR. STEPHANIE MISHLER
Currently, Mishler serves as interim superintendent of the Fairfield CSD, leading strategic initiatives aligned with student success, positive culture, and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, she spearheaded a successful public information campaign for an increased PPEL referendum, passing with 67% approval in March 2024. Mishler holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Iowa State University. Prior to her interim role, Mishler served as curriculum director in Fairfield.
DEREK PHILIPS
As superintendent of Pekin CSD, Philips manages a district of about 600 students and 110 staff members, offering mentorship to new building administrators. Additionally, he has collaborated with the school board and a local contractor on developing short- and long-term facilities plans, as well as increasing the district’s Unspent Authorized Budget. Philips holds a PK–12 superintendent and AEA (Area Education Agency) administrator specialist certificate, along with a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. He previously served as principal of Columbus Elementary School in the Chariton CSD.
As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, May 8. The board then plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.
The next superintendent will begin leading the Central DeWitt Community School District effective July 1, 2024.