Description
Position Description for Central Lee Community School District
The Central Lee Community School District Board of Education, Donnellson, Iowa, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Superintendent, beginning 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.
Central Lee is a high-performing PK–12 district serving approximately 1,100 students in southeast Iowa. Known for its strong academic outcomes, innovative programming, and commitment to continuous improvement, Central Lee offers an outstanding opportunity for a leader who is ready to build on a foundation of excellence.
The district has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in Iowa multiple times and has earned distinction as an Apple Distinguished District. Central Lee CSD students benefit from a broad range of academic, fine arts, and extracurricular opportunities, and the district is proud of its strong graduation rate and consistent performance on the Iowa School Performance Profile. Recent multi-million-dollar facility renovations have created modern, high-quality learning environments that support student success.
Equally important, Central Lee is a district with deep community pride and support. The Board is seeking a superintendent who will embrace the community, honor its traditions, and help lead the district into its next chapter of growth and success.
Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students (PK–12)
Location: Donnellson, Iowa (Southeast Iowa region)
Salary: Regionally competitive; commensurate with experience and qualifications
Apply online at: www.macnjake.com
The Qualifications
The Board is seeking a superintendent who demonstrates:
The ability to build trust and strong relationships through authentic, transparent, and effective communication
A deep commitment to student learning, instructional quality, and continuous improvement
The capacity to support, develop, and retain high-quality staff while fostering a positive and collaborative culture
Strong organizational and leadership skills, including knowledge of school finance, budgeting, and resource management
The ability to work effectively with a Board of Education in a governance team environment
A visible, engaged leadership presence in both the schools and the broader community
Integrity, sound judgment, and a clear student-centered focus in decision-making
Search Timeline
Closing date for applications: Friday, April 24, 2026
School Board selects finalists to interview: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Finalists’ interviews with the School Board: Friday, May 8, 2026
Selection of new Superintendent: Friday, May 8, 2026
Contact information:
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
School Website: https://www.centrallee.org/
Consultant: Stephen F. Murley
Central Lee Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.
Requirements
The Qualifications
The Board is seeking a superintendent who demonstrates:
The ability to build trust and strong relationships through authentic, transparent, and effective communication
A deep commitment to student learning, instructional quality, and continuous improvement
The capacity to support, develop, and retain high-quality staff while fostering a positive and collaborative culture
Strong organizational and leadership skills, including knowledge of school finance, budgeting, and resource management
The ability to work effectively with a Board of Education in a governance team environment
A visible, engaged leadership presence in both the schools and the broader community
Integrity, sound judgment, and a clear student-centered focus in decision-making
