Central DeWitt narrows superintendent field to 3

May 6—DEWITT — The Central DeWitt Community School District has narrowed a field of 10 candidates for its superintendent post to three finalists.

The three finalists are Tim Felderman, Dr. Stephanie Mishler, and Derek Philips, according to an update issued by the DeWitt School Board.

The district contracted with the search firm of Grundmeyer Leader Services and 11 candidates responded to the post for the position. The pool included six men, four women, and one candidate who chose no response, the update says. Only one candidate was from outside Iowa.

Next, the Board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, May 8. The board then plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.

The next superintendent will begin leading Central DeWitt effective July 1.

The Board met with Grundmeyer Leader Services and narrowed the field to three. It's update described each candidate:

—Felderman is the high school principal in West Delaware, overseeing instructional leadership, staff evaluation, and student discipline for 490 students. Throughout his tenure, he has developed federally recognized apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with staff.

Felderman holds an advanced studies certificate in superintendency from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in educational leadership from Drake University. He was recently elected as the 2024-25 vice president of the School Administrators of Iowa. He previously served as high school principal in Howard-Winneshiek.

—Mishler is the interim superintendent of the Fairfield Community School District, leading strategic initiatives aligned with student success, positive culture, and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, she spearheaded a successful public information campaign for an increased PPEL referendum, passing with 67% approval in March 2024.

Mishler holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a master's degree in educational administration from Iowa State University.

Prior to her interim role, Mishler served as curriculum director in Fairfield.

—Philips is the superintendent of the Pekin Community School District, which has about 600 students and 110 staff members. He offered mentorship to new building administrators and he has collaborated with his school board and a local contractor on developing short- and long-term facilities plans, as well as increasing the district's Unspent Authorized Budget.

Philips holds a PK — 12 superintendent and Area Education Agency administrator specialist certificate, along with a master's degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa.

He previously served as principal of Columbus Elementary School in the Chariton school district.

For questions, please contact Central DeWitt Board of Education President Mike Zimmer at (563) 650-9231 or mike.zimmer@cd-csd.org