Indianola hires Sathoff as superintendent

The Indianola School Board formally approved a contract offer today for Art Sathoff, superintendent of Fairfield Community School District, to become Indianola?s next superintendent.

Following approval to release Sathoff?s current contract in Fairfield, the agreement becomes final. Sathoff?s first day on the job in Indianola is July 1.

?We will accept his resignation at Monday?s regular board meeting,? said Fairfield school board president Jennifer Anderson.

?We?re sorry he?s leaving. He?s been a great superintendent for us,? she said.

A school board work session meeting has been called for 5:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss a superintendent search. A work session is a public meeting, but no action will be voted upon. The meeting will be held at the district?s Administration/Curriculum/Technology Center.

Sathoff said he did not expect any current Fairfield school district administrators to apply for the superintendent job.

Sathoff has been superintendent in the Fairfield district for three years and was principal at Fairfield High School two years prior to taking the superintendent?s job. He taught at Pekin Community High School in Packwood for several years before taking a job at Fairfield.

In June, the Fairfield school board extended Sathoff?s contract through the 2015-16 school year, at $149,040 in annual salary after the school board performed an annual job review in closed session and extended his contract one year.

Sathoff?s contract was set for 2014-15 at $144,000.

He?s earning $139,900 at Fairfield this school year.

Indianola has offered him a three-year contract at $200,000 a year.

?Serving as Indianola superintendent is a unique opportunity that I am very thankful to have,? Sathoff said in a press release sent today. ?Indianola offers tremendous opportunity for students and big city amenities while maintaining classic small town personality.

?Indianola?s district vision of ?proud traditions . . . unlimited possibilities? resonates with me, and I can?t wait to become part of this vision. My experiences leading a high quality district in a great community like Fairfield have me well prepared.?

The press release from Indianola Community School District includes Sathoff?s accomplishments here in Fairfield and a bit of background:

?As superintendent in Fairfield, Sathoff was responsible for the successful passage of a $10 million bond vote with 84.7 percent approval and served as chief negotiator for the district?s first two-year certified staff contract.

?The district also instituted the Fairfield Area Career Academy during his tenure.

?A former principal, English teacher, president of the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association and current member of the Iowa High School Music Association Executive Board, Sathoff is a ?staunch supporter of athletics, music, drama, speech and clubs in Fairfield,?? noted the press release.

Sathoff was one of two finalists brought to Indianola for interviews Monday, and the school board made its final decision today.

?Art has the complete, well-rounded skill set of what we are looking for in a new superintendent,? said Carolyn Langenwalter, Indianola school board president, in the press release.

?His experience in the classroom, as a principal, as a leader in the education industry, as a coach and activities director combined with academic credentials, we?ve found one dynamic, education-focused individual in one package,? she said. ?What Art brings to the table is very exciting for our school district.?

The press release included a comment from Indianola parent, resident and Athletic Booster Club member, Mike Vesey.

?Mr. Sathoff?s passion and purpose were evident in the interview process and his plan will provide great direction for our district,? said Vesey. ?Art shares our values and I believe his energy and commitment to our community will be a fantastic fit in our schools and our city.?

After receiving 99 completed applications from candidates in 39 states, the Indianola school board, with the assistance of search firm Ray and Associates, narrowed the field to 15 candidates. Among those 15, semi-finalists were selected for interviews with the school board and ultimately, two finalists were selected for interviews with parents, staff and community members on Monday.

Indianola?s current superintendent, Michael Teigland, announced his retirement in the fall, having served the district for 10 years.

In 2013, U.S. News and World Report ranked Indianola High School among the top 20 in Iowa as part of its ?Best High Schools in America? feature. Indianola High School has more than 1,000 students in grades nine through 12 with a 98 percent graduation rate.

The community also has four elementary schools and a middle school for grades six through eight comprised of about 2,500 students.

Indianola is home to Simpson College, a private four-year liberal arts college, the National Balloon Classic and the Des Moines Metro Opera.