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New superintendent for WACO, Highland introduces himself
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
RIVERSIDE — The newly selected joint superintendent of WACO and Highland school districts introduced himself to families in the community on social media last week, shortly after the school boards named him their shared top administrator.
Spencer Lueders will take over this fall for outgoing Superintendent Ken Crawford, who has led both the school districts since 2021, but announced his plans to retire in December.
Lueders said on Facebook Jan. 31 that he, his wife, and five kids looked forward to relocating to the area over the summer, saying it was “truly an honor” to accept the joint leadership role.
“Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering meaningful relationships, collaboratively shaping a shared vision with stakeholders, and strategically building upon existing strengths to drive improved student outcomes,” he said. “I can’t wait to learn more about all the incredible things happening in both districts and collaborate with you to continue that success.”
The incoming superintendent brings over a decade of experience in education. He started as a first-grade teacher in DeWitt in 2014, with other elementary classroom and teacher instructional roles in Ankeny and Le Claire in the years following, according to a bio from the Central DeWit Community School District. He worked as a pre-K through second grade principal in Maquoketa from 2021-22, and a principal at DeWitt Intermediate School since 2022, according to the bio.
Lueders holds a superintendent specialist and a preschool-12 principalship/preschool-12 special education supervision certificate from the University of Northern Iowa, along with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ashford University, according to a press release from the schools in January, when they announced three finalists for the job.
The Facebook post — shared by a few other accounts associated with the schools — was well-received, with several community members welcoming the family and a representative from Four Corners Restaurant and Fuel Stop asking for Lueders’ favorite pizza toppings.
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
