The East Union and Murray School Boards recently hosted three finalists for the shared superintendent position. The formal interviews included mixed interview teams from Murray and East Union, tours of both districts and a school board interview. Based on a review of all the feedback provided to the school board, it was clear Mr. Tim Kuehl was the right fit for the position.
Tim was offered the position and pleased to immediately accept it.
He said, “We are excited to join the East Union and Murray communities. We thoroughly enjoyed the interview process and the people involved, it feels like a great fit both professionally and personally. I’m anxious to begin the work building on the great things that East Union and Murray have in place.”
The school board presidents also shared appreciation for the interview teams and eagerness to work with Tim.
They said, “We are grateful for the leadership Mr. Kasper has provided the districts and look forward to working with Mr. Kuehl. We feel he is a natural fit for the initiatives we currently have in place and work that needs to be done. We appreciate all the feedback through the hiring process are excited about next steps for our schools.”
Mr. Kuehl currently serves as the Superintendent at Clear Creek-Amana. He has served the district for the last eight years. His prior experience includes serving as the Superintendent at Gladbrook-Reinbeck for five years. He has also been an elementary, middle and high principal. He also has experience serving as curriculum director, teacher and athletic coach. Some of the highlights of Tim’s leadership include:
- Five (of seven) schools earned rating of High Achieving from Iowa Department of Education
- Recognition for outstanding early literacy program
- Recognition for high school for performance on Advanced Placement courses
- Adding three full-time therapists to support students social and emotional needs
- Passed multiple bonds for school construction and subsequent overseeing of new construction and updating of existing facilities (with over 72% on both)
- Development of STEM Center
- Led implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC)
Tim has also served as the President for the School Administrators of Iowa, been on the governing board for the American Association of School Administrators and chaired the AEA 267 Superintendent Advisory Committee. Locally, he is also part of community groups and the Lions club. Tim has a webpage that outlines his entry plan as the new East Union and Murray Shared Superintendent at https://tinyurl.com/TimKuehlWebsite (Google account needed to view link.)
Tim grew up on a dairy farm and clearly conveyed his interest in getting back to a smaller school district and community. Tim is married to his wife Dana. They have 5 children and 1 grandchild. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, motorcycling, sports, travel, and any outdoor activity I can squeeze into the busy schedule.
Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education from Wartburg College. His Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership was issued from Buena Vista University in 2002. His Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership is from Drake University.
Grundmeyer Leader Services served the board’s throughout the hiring process and helped to secure the contract with Mr. Kuehl. He will transition with current Superintendent Ken Kasper and formally start his contract on July 1, 2021. Please welcome Tim and his family to the district and community.
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Story submitted to ClarkeCountyLife.com through the Murray and East Union School Boards.
