When Iowa school districts add new administrators, the outgoing personnel usually depart by the end of June, and the incoming principals and superintendents typically begin their years on July 1.
That timing is playing out again this year in many schools, including the Sioux City School District, which had an opening after Rod Earleywine retired after three years.
Back in February, the Sioux City School Board members picked the person they wanted to serve as the next school district superintendent. They selected Juan Cordova, who was the assistant superintendent of instruction for Hazelwood School District in Florissant, Missouri.
The process involved more than 20 people applying for the post, then seven people were interviewed in closed sessions over two days.
Next, two finalists were selected to attend an evening of community meetings and then there were closed interviews with the two men.,
At that time in making the decision, School board president Jan George said Cordova has proven he will work collaboratively to improve the delivery of instruction to the 14,500 students in the Sioux City School District.
For this episode of What’s The Frequency, Superintendent Cordova stopped by for a half hour chat, to introduce himself, and have a discussion on his goals in leading the pupils and employees of the Sioux City School District.
He shared his outlook on leadership, how to work on initiatives with school board members, the impact from federal officials on education, and having a new educator in his family.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 70.
