Oskaloosa Superintendent Leaving For New Job
Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent Russ Reiter (file photo)
An Independence Community School District Press Release
ICSD Announces New Superintendent
January 31, 2018
January 31, 2018, (Independence) The Independence Community School District is pleased to announce that Russell Reiter has been hired as the new superintendent beginning his duties on July 1, 2018. Mr. Reiter emerged as the best fit after a thorough hiring process led by the school board with support from Grundmeyer Leader Search out of Ankeny, IA.
Mr. Reiter has been in education over 30 years serving as a teacher and administrator. The last 8 years he has served as the Oskaloosa Community School District Superintendent in Oskaloosa, IA. In his current role he is responsible for over 2,300 students and 350 employees. Despite state resources being less, he has expanded educational opportunities for students and improved insurance benefits for his staff. He also has various experiences in partnering with the community on projects such as a Mahaska County YMCA/Preschool/Childcare Center and apprenticeship programs for students.
Prior to his tenure at Oskaloosa he served as the Superintendent for the Mt. Ayr School District for 4 years. He currently serves on the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Controls and is active in his community with civic organizations and economic development. Russell is known as a professional role-model with a strong work ethic.
In 2010, Mr. Reiter was honored as the Green Hills Area Education Agency (AEA) Superintendent of the year for his achievements. Board President Eric Smith is excited about working with the new superintendent saying, “Using the community feedback from the interviews on Monday, January 29th, the school board determined that Mr. Reiter was the right fit for our community”.
The candidate pool included 26 total applicants. Thirteen candidates had six or more years of superintendent experience. Three finalists formally interviewed with over 70 district and community patrons for the position on Monday, January 29th. An offer was made to Russell after a full review of all the feedback provided to the board and careful consideration on which candidate best fit the desired qualification as identified by the community, staff, students and school board.
Russ and his wife Debbie have two sons, Ryan age 20 and Nick age 17. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling. Please welcome Russ and his wife Debbie to the community.
“I’d like to thank the Independence School Board and all those who took part in the process. Debbie and I are looking forward to becoming apart of your community and I’ll be working hard to make the Independence School District the very best.”
Mr. Reiter and retiring Superintendent Jean Peterson will be working together the rest of the school year to ensure a smooth transition for all involved. The district thanks everyone who participated in the selection process for their feedback in this important hire and is confident that Mr. Reiter will promote the districts mission to, “Creating a climate in which individuals of the Independence Community School District will strive to become effective communicators, problem solvers, responsible citizens, and productive people.”
