糖心vlog Investigates: Meet one of Iowa's few superintendents leading three school districts
Kevin Wood puts the "super" in superintendent.
He leads Sioux Central in Sioux Rapids, Laurens Marathon in Laurens and Clay Central-Everly in Royal.
There are financial benefits for districts that choose to share superintendents or other administrative roles. The partnerships also benefit education, experts told 糖心vlog Investigates, as fewer candidates meet the state-required criteria to be a superintendent.
"I wasn't thinking three districts was something I wanted to walk right into," said Wood. "But it has been a great transition for me and my family in this direction."
The former football player has tackled this triple duty for six years. That is the longest-serving triple-district superintendent in Iowa, according to a review of Iowa Department of Education records since 2007.
"It's a plus for us and a plus for them," said Lory Krummen, Sioux Central's school board president. "I think 25 years ago, this kind of arrangement might not have worked right."
But technology improved, and the global pandemic reshaped education.
Wood can be virtually available by text, call, even Zoom. He even takes advantage of the 50 total miles among the three towns he travels to.
"It's great windshield time," he said.
He shares his calendar in all locations as well.
"Usually every Sunday night or sometime on the weekend before the incoming week, he'll send us a schedule where he's going to be, what he's doing, that kind of stuff," said Hannah Zylstra, the principal at Laurens-Marathon.
Wood has learned a lot from that first year.
"I felt like I was very organized, but this has forced me to become more organized," he said. "That's probably the biggest thing."
His responsibilities encompass the budgets, staffing, and all necessary reporting to the state education department.
"He has three different school boards that he works with, and we're the best," said Krummen dryly.
People say people skills are the key.
"I think his relationship with the kids, and not just alone with the kids, with adults, too. You know, he makes it work for you," said Brandon Goodchild, a Sioux Central industrial arts teacher.
Jeff Scharn is now retired after working with Wood as an assistant superintendent in Clay Central-Everly.
"He's visible in every district," said Scharn. "He has to trust his staff as well."
Along with being a three-time superintendent, Wood wears other titles 鈥 husband and dad.
"I try to take care of that work-life balance and keep that, you know, in check," he said. "My wife has to remind me once in a while to do something. But I couldn't see myself doing anything else right now."
Some people might think one district would be good by now.
"I think I might be a little bored," Wood said.