Another administrator gone

PCM Superintendent Michelle Havenstrite has reached a settlement with the PCM School Board and will be resigning from her position effective June 30. Board president Ryan Van Der Kamp, along with Havenstrite, announced the decision in separate letters May 8.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the staff and community members who have supported me throughout my four years at PCM,” Havenstrite said. “Together, we’ve accomplished remarkable milestones, from navigating the COVID 19 pandemic, enhancing student learning opportunities to improving communication, operations and facilities all while fostering greater family involvement.”

In a separation agreement and release of claims document it states the superintendent contract of employment will continue with the district through June 30, 2025. Havenstrite has agreed to voluntarily resign from all employment and assignments as of June 30, 2024 but as of May 1 she may fulfill her duties and responsibilities using a hybrid model of working with remote and in-person for the remainder of her employment.

The district will pay Havenstrite her salary of $170,443 in four equal installments along with all applicable IPERS and FICA contributions at the time of payments. The district will pay her for the value of any accumulated, unused vacation and floating holiday pay available to her through June 30, 2025. There will be no other payout of sick leave or any other paid leave following the date of resignation. She will remain on the district’s health insurance policies through June 30, 2025 using the policies she has as of Jan. 1, 2024.

The no admission of liability clause states: “It is understood and agreed that this is a compromise settlement of the contract between the district and superintendent, and that neither this agreement itself, the offering of it, not the furnishing of the consideration for this release shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission of anyone’s liability or responsibility for any wrongdoing of any kind.”

During a special board meeting May 10, Van Der Kamp said funds for the settlement will come from the district’s management fund. The district’s management funds may be used to pay the costs of unemployment benefits, costs of liability insurance and agreements, costs of judgments and costs of certain early retirement benefits according to Iowa Code 298.4.

At the meeting the board also approved Grundmeyer Leader Services to immediately begin the search for an interim superintendent to serve the 2024-25 school year and a second search to begin next fall for a permanent superintendent to begin the 2025-26 school year. Search services will cost the district approximately $15,000.

“In the coming weeks, the board will select an interim superintendent to shepherd our district through the next year as we launch a comprehensive search for our next permanent superintendent, keeping the best interests of our students, employees and communities at the center of our decision-making process,” Van Der Kamp said. “We understand you may have questions or comments as we move forward with the hiring process. We will provide updates to the community as we are able.”

When asked for further information about the resignation the board responded with “no comment.”

Full statement from superintendent Havenstrite:

District Patrons, Families, Students and Staff,

I am writing to inform you that I have accepted a settlement agreement with the PCM Board, which marks the conclusion of my employment with the district, effective June 30, 2024.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to the staff and community members who have supported me throughout my four years at PCM. Together, we’ve accomplished remarkable milestones, from navigating the COVID 19 pandemic, enhancing student learning opportunities to improving communication, operations, and facilities all while fostering greater family involvement. The strong foundation we’ve laid will continue to propel the district toward even greater success in the future. To the incredible students of the PCM district, it has been an absolute privilege to serve you, and I have cherished every moment of our time together.

As my husband, Tim, and I bid farewell to the PCM school district, we reflect fondly on the wonderful connections we’ve made and the lasting friendships we will carry with us. While we embark on this new chapter, I am eager to explore opportunities that resonate with my professional and personal aspirations and values. I wholeheartedly wish the PCM District continued prosperity and achievements in the years ahead.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as PCM’s Superintendent for the past four years.

Strongertogether,

Dr. Michelle Havenstrite

Full statement from board president Van Der Kamp:

Dear PCM Students, Employees, Families and Community,

The Board of Education has reached an agreement with Dr. Havenstrite and has approved her resignation effective June 30, 2024. The Board wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Havenstrite for her service to the District.

In the coming weeks, the Board will select an interim superintendent to shepherd our District through the next year as we launch a comprehensive search for our next permanent Superintendent, keeping the best interests of our students, employees, and communities at the center of our decision-making process.

We understand you may have questions or comments as we move forward with the hiring process. We will provide updates to the community as we are able. As always, members of the public may submit comments by email or in person to the Board during the public comment portion of all regular board meetings.

Again, we wish to extend our appreciation to Dr. Havenstrite for her leadership. We look forward to working with the PCM community as we navigate the next chapter for our District. Go Mustangs!

Sincerely,

Ryan VanDerKamp

Board President

PCM Community School District