Central Rivers Area Education Agency (CRAEA) has announced the results of its most recent board election, which concludes with four superintendents joining the nine-member Board of Directors. The transition follows the requirements outlined in Iowa HF 2612 which dictates that four seats on the board be held by superintendents or their designees.
The newly elected board members are:
- David Hill, Superintendent, Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District
- Jenn Peter, Superintendent, Belmond-Klemme Community School District
- Dr. Cynthia Phillips, Superintendent, Independence Community School District
- Dr. Theron Schutte, Superintendent, Marshalltown Community School District
All four individuals were present for the December 3 board meeting, during which outgoing members concluded their terms and the new board was officially sworn in. Five original board members remain including Dr. Debra Rich, Dr. Tony Reid, Dr. Mary Stevens, Dennis Craun Jr., and Nicole Lovik-Blaser. The five original members will serve newly drawn director district territories. Outgoing board members included Bryan Burton, Maureen Hanson, Kathy Enslin and Dr. Darshini Jayawardena.
“Our board plays a critical role in ensuring that we continue to support educators, students, and families across our region,” said Stan Rheingans, Chief Administrator of Central Rivers AEA. “We are deeply grateful for the service of our outgoing board members and appreciative of the willingness of these new leaders to step into this important role.”
AEA board elections follow a structured, statewide process outlined in Iowa law. School district boards cast weighted votes to select their AEA representative, and results are certified prior to the seating of the new board. Due to changes required by HF 2612, this year’s cycle included multiple seats transitioning simultaneously and the inclusion of local school leaders.
The CRAEA Board consists of nine members serving staggered four-year terms to support continuity in governance and long-term decision-making. The four new board members will hold two and four year terms.
Central Rivers Area Education Agency provides leadership, service, and educational support to children, families and educators in 53 public and over 20 nonpublic school districts across 18 counties of north-central and northeast Iowa.