Paula Wright Will Be Oskaloosa Community School District’s Next Superintendent
Paula Wright
The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Education voted to offer a 3-year contract to Paula Wright who has served the last 11 years as Superintendent of Schools at Chariton. She also serves as the District’s Curriculum Director and Special Ed Director. Wright has accepted that offer and will be the new Superintendent effective July 1.
“We’re pleased to have Paula on board. Her experience and hardworking, high-energy style, coupled her desire to do what’s best for kids, will serve the Oskaloosa district well,” commented Board President Shelly Herr. “She’s anxious to partner with faculty, staff, parents, and the community to provide opportunities for all students,” said Herr.
Wright studied Educational Leadership at Iowa State University, completing her Certificate of Advanced Studies in 2005. She has also earned a Master of Science Degree from Drake University in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Simpson College in Elementary and Special Education. Wright has teaching experience in Special Education, 2nd, and 4th grades and served as an elementary principal for 9 years prior to assuming the Superintendent role.
Wright has also been involved in advocacy for public education through her leadership work on committees with the Iowa Department of Education and School Administrators of Iowa, working with state legislators.
She and her husband Gene have three grown children, all living in the Des Moines area. They have both been very active in their community and in her free time she enjoys quilting, swimming, bicycling, and spending time with family and friends.
“I am excited to join the Oskaloosa Community School District family. I was impressed with the support and dedication from the community, administration, faculty, and students. I can tell the Oskaloosa community cares about their school district, community, and students. This type of environment is a perfect match for my leadership style. I am looking forward to meeting you and becoming an Oskaloosa Indian! Together we can create an environment which engages all students to embrace the power of learning.”
“As part of this hiring process, stakeholder groups shared the strengths and needs of our District,” said Herr. “Through those discussions, as well as conversations with the candidates, it’s become clear to me how fortunate we are to have a community that supports our school and a great staff that’s committed to the students of our District. I think Paula has the ability and passion to lead our district and build upon those strengths. It is now up to all of us to do our part to support and help her and her team move our district forward.”
On Thursday afternoon, the Oskaloosa School Board made it official, when they voted unanimously to ratify a three-year contract for Paula Wright to be the next superintendent of the Oskaloosa Community School District.
Wright’s compensation is $180,000.00 per school year.
School Board member Carl Drost spoke just before the vote was taken. “During all of the stakeholder groups that we had, the community leaders who I think represent a lot of employees in this school district and in this town endorsed Mrs. Wright and they spoke about the vision that she had and things like that. I just value to the community leaders opinion as well as all the other comments we got from all the stakeholders.”
Oskaloosa School Board President Shelly Herr thanked everyone for taking part in the process.
