Lynnville-Sully names its new superintendent

A familiar face will take the helm as Lynnville-Sully’s superintendent next school year.

The Lynnville-Sully Community School District Board of Education unanimously selected Hawk alum Matthew Dunsbergen as the new administrative leader for the school. The school announced this in a press release, Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Dunsbergen replaces superintendent Shane Ehresman who announced his resignation in September. Ehresman spent 11 years with the district and had decided it was time to retire from the superintendent position. He intends to explore other leadership roles.

Dunsbergen will step into the role and his familiarity with the district will be helpful in the transition. He not only graduated from the school district but also worked as an elementary teacher and coach.

“I have such deep respect for the Lynnville-Sully CSD from my time as a student and teacher, and I am thrilled to return to serve the current students, staff and community. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to working with you,” Dunsbergen said.

Dunsbergen and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for nearly 17 years and have four children ranging from third to eighth grade who will attend school at Lynnville-Sully next year.

He earned his bachelor of science degree in elementary education at Central College in 2001. He then earned his master’s in educational leadership from Drake University in 2006 and his educational specialist degree in 2011.

Dunsbergen has also worked in the Pella Community School District and was principal at Oskaloosa prior to getting the job in the Ankeny Community School District where he served as elementary principal for the past seven years. During his time there, he was selected to open a new elementary school in the district and has worked closely with leadership to remain at the forefront of professional development for faculty and students.

Dunsbergen was selected from a pool of three finalists which included John Howard, the seventh through 12th grade principal at Independence and Ken Howard, the South Hamilton Community School District Superintendent.

The school hired Grundmeyer Leader Services Consultants to help in the superintendent search. Their team conducted the semifinalist screenings in January and narrowed the field to three. The three finalists were interviewed within the district Feb. 12 which included a mixed interview team of community members, parents, teachers, students and staff. Each candidate also met with administrators and school board members.

According to the release, the feedback from the interview process clearly pointed to Dunsbergen as the top choice based on his “collaborative leadership style, passion for school improvement, student-centered leadership philosophy, understanding of open enrollment and excitement to engage in the larger community.”

Dunsbergen will begin with the district July 1 but will be invited to begin the transition with district leaders before that date.

“We are very excited about what Matt offers our school district and community. His commitment to our district and passion to the job is truly exciting for the future of Lynnville-Sully,” board president Tammy Vos said.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com