Glenwood Community School District Names Finalists For Superintendent Position

The Glenwood Community School District has named three finalists in its search for the district's next superintendent.

The Glenwood Board Of Education recently met with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services to review the candidate pool. The three finalists are Brad Baker, Nicole Kooiker and Anthony Ryan.

Baker currently serves as superintendent of the Chariton CSD, where he has provided instructional leadership for a team of 205 staff members. Additionally, Baker has established a district leadership team focused on improving student achievement and guiding professional development for staff. He holds an education specialist degree with an emphasis in superintendency and has 21 years of experience as a principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. Prior to his current role, Baker served as middle school principal in the Creston CSD.

Currently, Kooiker serves as the interim superintendent of Glenwood CSD, where she has led initiatives in innovative programming, facility planning, budget allocation, and enhancing student learning outcomes. Additionally, she is a member of the Mills County Economic Development Board, Mills County YMCA Board, and Glenwood Rotary. Kooiker is pursuing a doctoral degree in education from the University of Iowa and holds an education specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. She previously served as deputy superintendent/administrator in the Cedar Rapids CSD, as superintendent in the Ottumwa CSD, and as superintendent in the West Marshall CSD.

As superintendent in the East Marshall CSD, Ryan has helped reverse a multi-year downward trend in the district’s unspent authorized carryover budget, shifting it to a stabilized upward trend while maintaining a supportive academic environment. He has also supported the district’s Teacher Learning Communities (TLC) and previously served as the district’s special education director. Ryan holds an education specialist degree from Drake University and is certified as a PK-12 Superintendent and AEA Administrator in Iowa. He previously served as superintendent of the Centerville CSD.

As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Monday, December 2. The board then plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.

The next superintendent will begin leading the Glenwood Community School District effective July 1, 2025.