WMU restructures administration

WINFIELD — The Winfield-Mount Union Community School District is embarking on a significant administrative shift as the school board approved a plan to combine the roles of Elementary Principal and Superintendent. Karinda Wahls, currently the district’s Elementary Principal, is set to assume this dual leadership position.

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“During a recent session, the Winfield-Mount Union School Board made the tentative decision to restructure WMU's administrative positions, specifically a combination Elementary Principal and Superintendent position,” Interim Superintendent Patrick Coen stated in an email to the Southeast Iowa Union. “ … It is a model that several school districts have utilized for decades.”

The move aligns with a broader effort to streamline leadership and improve operational efficiency. Coen, who has served as WMU’s interim superintendent, began transitioning to a part-time role starting Dec. 1, providing support to Wahls until she officially obtains her superintendent licensure in January 2025.

“Once Mrs. Wahls has obtained her superintendent credentials, I will serve as her mentor,” Coen explained. “This deliberate transition of authority and obligations will position WMUCSD to prosper into the foreseeable future.”

For Wahls, the opportunity to lead in this expanded capacity is both an honor and a challenge.

“I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to assume the dual role of Elementary Principal and Superintendent,” Wahls said. “This role will allow me to integrate the strengths of both positions to create a unified vision for our district, ensuring that every decision is deeply connected to the needs of all our students, staff, and families.”

Wahls emphasized her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. She expressed excitement about aligning district-wide initiatives with the diverse needs of students, staff, and the community.

“What excites me most is the chance to directly shape the strategic direction of the district while staying grounded in the day-to-day educational experiences of our students,” she said.

The dual role will bring challenges as Wahls will need to carefully balance responsibilities, but she has already considered the best way to meet those head-on.

“Balancing the dual responsibilities of elementary principal and superintendent will require careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to serving all stakeholders effectively,” Wahls said. “To achieve this, I will focus on maintaining a structured schedule that allows me to dedicate focused time to both roles while ensuring all tasks are addressed efficiently. At Winfield-Mt. Union, I am fortunate to work alongside a strong middle and high school principal and a highly skilled staff, whose expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the district’s success. By aligning priorities with the district's vision, I will make strategic decisions that benefit both the school and the broader community. This approach will allow me to focus on what matters most, providing every student with a high-quality education while supporting teachers, staff, and parents in creating a thriving educational environment.”

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Wahls has been preparing for the superintendent licensure through the Advanced Studies Certificate in Educational Leadership program at the University of Northern Iowa. She obtained her PK-12 Superintendent and AEA Administrator license after completing the Advanced Studies Certificate in Educational Leadership.

“This comprehensive program deepened my understanding of district-level leadership, strategic planning, and systems thinking,” Whals said.

Wahls educational background also includes a Master of Education Administration and a master’s in education from Viterbo University.

“As I look toward January 2025, I am actively engaging in professional development and networking opportunities to stay informed on best practices in education, ensuring I am prepared to serve as an effective and transformational leader,” Wahls said.

Her vision for the district includes fostering open communication with stakeholders through initiatives like Superintendent Roundtable discussions, modeled after her well-received After School Conversations.

“These discussions will focus on topics such as student achievement, school programs, district goals, and community involvement,” Wahls said.

The decision to combine the roles originated from a Board of Education work session facilitated by Coen. He recommended the dual-role structure, citing financial benefits, streamlined decision-making, and consistent leadership as advantages. Currently, 39 other Iowa school districts operate with a similar model.

“This structure ensures that a superintendent is in the building every day of the week,” Coen said. “It allows for better alignment of resources to support student success.”

Wahls views the dual role as an opportunity to unify leadership across the district, ensuring alignment with WMUCSD’s goals.

“This position allows me to strengthen connections across the district — bringing together classrooms, staff, families, and the board to promote cohesive and transparent leadership,” Wahls said.

WMU middle and high school principal Gaige Gill will remain in his current role as the district aims to continue its mission of supporting student success while fostering a thriving educational environment for all.

With the deliberate transition plan and Wahls’ preparations, WMUCSD is poised to embrace this new era of leadership with confidence and optimism.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com