Superintendent - Center Point-Urbana Community School District, Center Point, Iowa

Position Description for Center Point-Urbana Community School District

The Center Point-Urbana Community School District, Center Point, Iowa, Board of Education, is seeking a highly qualified Superintendent. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position July 1, 2026.

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development are engaged as consultants in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the School Board in identifying and screening the candidates.

Enrollment: 1,400 students

Location: 20 miles North of Cedar Rapids, IA

Salary: $175,000 - $190,000 commensurate with experience and education

• Student‑Focused Decision Maker:
  Grounds decisions in what is best for students’ learning, well-being, and opportunities while considering the long‑term health of the district.
• Highly Visible and Connected Leader:
  Makes a consistent effort to be present in classrooms, hallways, extracurriculars, fine arts events, and community activities so students, staff, and families see and know their superintendent. Understands that visibility is foundational to building trust and ensuring stakeholders feel heard.
• Builder of Trust and Relationships:
  Strengthens connections across the district, encourages teamwork among buildings, and fosters a positive, respectful culture for employees at every level. Recognizes the current need to rebuild trust with staff and unify the system after recent leadership transitions.
• Clear, Consistent Communicator:
  Keeps people informed, seeks input before making decisions, and communicates with honesty and clarity so stakeholders feel respected and well‑informed. Communicates proactively during periods of change, financial pressure, or controversy.
• Steady, Strategic Thinker:
  Uses data, listens carefully, and balances perspectives to make thoughtful, timely decisions that move the district toward shared goals. Brings the confidence and steadiness needed to navigate board dynamics and community expectations.
• Financially Astute Leader:
  Understands the realities of Iowa school finance, communicates budget needs transparently, and plans responsibly for declining enrollment and future facility commitments. Possesses the expertise to make early, informed decisions in a property‑poor, enrollment‑declining district.

• Effective Board and Community Partner:
  Works collaboratively with the school board, communicates roles and expectations clearly, and engages community members as meaningful partners in district work. Understands the importance of stable, healthy governance and demonstrates experience rebuilding or sustaining productive board‑superintendent relations.
• Community Engagement and Public Presence:
  Interacts comfortably with diverse groups, represents the district with professionalism, and builds productive relationships in both Center Point and Urbana. Honors CPU’s unified two‑town identity and embraces small‑town community life.
• Strong Finance and Budget Skill Set:
  Brings a solid understanding of Iowa funding structures, enrollment trends, and multiyear financial planning, along with experience managing staffing, programming, and facility needs responsibly. Prepared to address financial challenges immediately upon entry.
• Facilities Leadership:
  Understands how to steward facility projects, both new construction and ongoing maintenance, and communicates progress and needs effectively to the community—especially with major bond‑funded projects now launching.
• Team and Talent Development:
  Invests in developing leaders, supports new administrators, and works to strengthen recruitment, retention, and staff cohesion in a competitive labor environment. Recognizes the need to support a relatively new building administrative team.
• Instructional Understanding and Support:
  Possesses a working knowledge of curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment, and special education, and supports principals and teachers in strengthening instruction across all buildings.

• Student‑Centered Presence:
  Shows care for students as individuals, engages with them directly, and models…