CEDAR RAPIDS — The College Community School District school board has selected Doug Wheeler as the district’s next superintendent.
Wheeler, 40, is in his fourth year as superintendent of the 1,300-student Saydel Community School District in Des Moines.
“As a lifetime Iowan and a product of Iowa’s public schools, I am honored by the opportunity to lead in a district that has a long-standing legacy and statewide reputation for providing opportunities for students to succeed in and beyond the classroom,” Wheeler said, according to a College Community news release.
The proposed annual salary for Wheeler is $210,000, A district spokesman said. The school board is scheduled to discuss details of Wheeler’s employment contract at a special Thursday board meeting.
In addition to leading the Saydel district, Wheeler has worked as principal, instructional vice principal, history and AP psychology teacher at Hoover High School in the Des Moines Independent Community School District.
College Community Board President Randy Bauer said in a Tuesday news release he is excited to have Wheeler join the College Community district, which educates about 5,000 students.
“Doug has experience in both large urban districts and smaller suburban districts which makes him well suited to lead the College Community School District,” Bauer said.
Wheeler has a doctorate and master’s degree from Iowa State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University.
He will replace Superintendent John Speer, who accepted the chief administrator role at the Grant Wood Area Education Agency in February.
“I am overwhelmed by the pride and commitment of the College Community staff, students and families and look forward to the process of earning their trust and confidence in the coming years,” Wheeler said in the release. “My wife Lisa and I were drawn to the various communities served by the district and look forward to learning how we can be more involved both professionally and personally.”
Pending final board approval, Wheeler is expected to start July 1.
l Comments: (319) 398-8330; molly.duffy@thegazette.com