Grinnell-Newburg board names Ken Kasper next district superintendent

GRINNELL — The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Board of Directors has named Ken Kasper the district’s next superintendent pending official Board approval.

Kasper is the current superintendent of Garner-Hayfield-Ventura CSD and Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock CSD in Iowa. In this joint role, he expanded advanced academic and career opportunities for students, including 214 dual-credit and career academy enrollments through North Iowa Area Community College, according to a press release.

As a result of these initiatives, over 65% of graduating seniors are participating in college-level coursework or career programs, the press release says.

“We are excited to welcome Ken Kasper to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. Ken brings a strong mix of finance, construction, and leadership experience, which comes at the perfect time as we build our new elementary school and continue planning for the future of our district’s facilities and infrastructure,” said Grinnell-Newburg Board President Chris Starrett.

“What really stood out to the board is Ken’s passion for instructional leadership, student success, and bringing people together. He understands that while buildings matter, what happens inside our classrooms matters most. We had the opportunity to meet with several outstanding candidates, and choosing just one was no easy task.

“We would like to thank everyone who served on the mixed interview teams and tour guides for providing us with invaluable input on each of the finalist candidates,” Starrett said. “In the end, Ken was the clear fit for where Grinnell-Newburg is headed.”

Previously, Kasper served as superintendent of East Union CSD and Murray CSD. He also has experience as a secondary principal, athletic director, science teacher and alternative school teacher over the course of his 37-year career.

“I am honored and truly excited to join the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. What drew me to Grinnell-Newburg is the community’s deep commitment to students, high expectations for learning, and strong sense of shared responsibility for the future,” said Kasper.

“I believe great school districts are built through trust, transparency, and meaningful partnerships, and I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside students, staff, families, and the broader community to make sure every student is supported and ready for their next steps,” Kasper said.

Board members worked with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search to allow ample time for a transition before the next school year.

Kasper will officially begin leading the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District July 1, the press release said. Between now and then he will be communicating and spending time with Interim Superintendent Lisa Beames.