Superintendent Announced
North Butler & Clarksville Schools
Shared Superintendent Announced
The North Butler and Clarksville School Boards recently hosted four finalists for the shared superintendent position. Each candidate interviewed with teams from Clarksville and North Butler Schools, had a tours of the schools, and interviewed with the school boards. Everyone involved in the interviews provided feedback to board after the interviews.
Grundmeyer Leader Services Consultants helped facilitate the day and organized all the feedback. After reviewing all the feedback, both board’s agree that Mark Olmstead was the right candidate to serve the districts. He was made the formal offer and immediately accepted the job. Soon after he said, "I am excited to join the North Butler and Clarksville communities. I thoroughly enjoyed the interview process and the people involved, it feels like a great fit both professionally and personally. I'm anxious to begin the work building on the great things that North Butler and Clarksville have in place".
Mark currently serves as the Shared Superintendent for English Valleys and Iowa Valley School Districts (since 2019). Some highlights of his career include passing PPEL and PERL bond measures in two districts, leading the renovation of athletic complex, including baseball and softball fields and student achievement gains that led both districts to “commendable” ratings on the Iowa School Report Card. His previous experience includes serving the High School Principal at Tipton High School (2017-19). He also served the Associate Principal at Muscatine High School (2008-17), Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Chariton High School (2006-08), Athletic Director for West Liberty Schools (2002-04) and teacher/coach for Monticello Schools (1995-2002).
Mr. Olmstead has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Coaching endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa. His Master’s Degree in Education Leadership was issued from Drake University. His Certificate of Advanced Studies as earned through the University of Northern Iowa that provides Iowa Superintendent licensure.
Both board presidents issued a statement wishing to thank the interview teams and convey excitement to work with Mark. They said, “The process could not have gone better. We truly valued the feedback from the interview teams that helped make our decision pretty clear. We are confident that Mr. Olmstead’s shared superintendent experience, understanding of school finance and track record of school improvement will serve our districts well.”
Mark’s hire will be official pending a formal background check and North Butler School Board approval. He will transition with current Superintendent, Joel Foster, between now and officially beginning his contract on July 1, 2021.