An Invitation to Apply for the Position of
Superintendent
Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District
Sibley, IA
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE
All nominations, letters of application, inquiries, credentials and copies of legal proof of administrative
qualifications should be addressed to:
Mr. Les Douma
D & M Consulting Services
304 Martin Drive, NE
Orange City, IA 51041
(Cell) 712-212-4747
(Home) 712-737-4203
email: ldouma@orangecitycomm.net
www. www.dmconsultingservices.org
An application for superintendent must include:
a. a letter of application
b. resume’
c. completed and signed application form and other necessary signatures
d. written response to the five questions
e. four recent letters of recommendation regarding your professional work (preferably at least
two from your current employer)
f. photocopy of college/university transcripts
g. a copy of (or documented evidence of eligibility) a current Iowa superintendent’s
endorsement—including your evaluator approval
Candidates are asked not to contact Board of Education members during the search process. Names of
applicants will be held in strict confidence whenever possible; in the final process, the board may visit
the district where the candidate is employed, but will not proceed without the knowledge and consent
of the candidate.
Selection Time Line
1. Application deadline: January 14, 2011.
2. Finalists selected by Board of Education: February 3, 2011.
3. Interviews with Board of Education: February 15-18, 2011.
4. Starting Date: July 1, 2011.
The Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District is an Equal
Opportunity Employer
The Position
The Board of Education of the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District, Sibley, Iowa, is seeking a
highly qualified, fully certified, educational leader to serve as Superintendent of Schools beginning July
1, 2011.
Completed applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, January 14, 2011.
Mr. Jeff Herzberg, former Superintendent, accepted the Chief Administrator position at Prairie Lakes
AEA in July, 2010. Dr. John Phillips is serving the Sibley-Ocheyedan School System as the Interim
Superintendent during the 2010-11 school year.
D & M Consulting Services has been engaged as the consultants in a search for outstanding candidates.
They will assist the Board of Education in identifying and screening the candidates.
Qualifications
The candidate must have the background, skills and abilities essential for excellence in educational
leadership. The Boards recognize that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important
decisions that will be made.
The Board members along with school and community representatives have identified the following
desired characteristics for the candidate of choice:
Effective communication skills at all levels
Deal directly and fairly with faculty, staff, students, parents and community members
Be highly visible in and engaged with the school and community
Be accessible, open-minded and consider all points of view before making decisions
Strong fiscal management
Unquestioned integrity
The Community
Sibley
Sibley, a community of 2800 residents, is the capital of Osceola County. The community is located in
the northwest corner of the state approximately one hour from Sioux Falls and Sioux City. The location
is also a short 45-minute drive to the Iowa Great Lakes.
Sibley's downtown area is beautifully restored with historical authenticity featuring cobblestone
streets, old-fashioned lampposts, and decorative flags. A wellness center is affiliated with the hospital;
a community fitness center is built on to the high school; and a beautiful and well-maintained 9-hole
golf course is located across the street from the MS/HS.
The community has a strong agricultural base augmented by its healthy retail community, thriving
industrial base, excellent schools, exceptional medical community, and numerous churches. The
strength of the community is its desire to provide opportunities, offer quality service and increase the
quality of life of its residents.
The environment is clean, and the community is progressive. Highway 60, a four-lane highway, serves
the city. Surrounding Sibley are many family farms, which provide products and the work ethic typical
of our community. Northwest Iowa’s fertile soil is a unique resource, which supports the economic
base for the area.
Ocheyedan
Ocheyedan, home of the Mound (highest scenic point in Iowa), is located in extreme NW Iowa amidst
some of the best farm land in the world. The community of 500 people live and work closely with each
other and celebrate their rich heritage. Ocheyedan is home to 4 churches, a picturesque city park and
outstanding recreational areas - a great area to hunt and fish.
The Cooperative Elevator is Ocheyedan’s largest employer and one of the largest in Osceola County.
The newest employer, Osceola Wind Power LLC, brings the future of the wind power industry. Close
proximity to the Iowa Great Lakes, (22 miles to the east) and the city amenities of Sioux City, Iowa, and
Sioux Falls, SD, make Ocheyedan a great place to live and raise a family.
The faith and principles of the founding fathers are still alive in this small community.
The District
The Sibley-Ocheyedan School District is a 2A school district with the following features:
Students come from the communities of Sibley and Ocheyedan with all grades located in Sibley
757 learners in grades PK-12
A student teacher ratio of 13:1
Outstanding school facilities
Many outstanding opportunities for students to participate in both academically and in co-
curricular activities
39% of the teachers hold Master's degrees or higher
45% of the teachers have been teaching for 15 or more years
A learning environment that is engaging and motivating for students
A 1-on-1 laptop initiative is in place
Mission Statement
Provide the best possible education within a stimulating environment while building a foundation for
lifelong learning through a variety of academic, interpersonal, and co-curricular activities involving the
entire community.
Board of Education
Name Years of Service Term Expires
Kyle Grimes, President 6 2011
Keith Newman, Vice President 4 2013
Paul Feldkamp 2 2011
Tracy VanDiepen 2 2013
Cindy Onken 6 2011
LaDonn Hartzell, Board Secretary 27
District Website
www.s-o.k12.ia.us