BREAKING: Charles City School District Names Next Superintendent

The Charles City School District has selected its next Superintendent.

In February, current Superintendent Anne Lundquist announced she would retire at the end of this school year, June 30th. School officials then hired the search firm, McPherson & Jacobsen, to assist them with the hiring process to name her replacement. 

There were a total of 10 applicants, with three finalists interviewed Monday by a group of volunteer community stakeholders as well as with the School Board. 

Candidates interviewed included Gary Benda of Hills, who served previously as shared Superintendent for Starmont and West Central schools for two years; Brian Burnight, who was Director of Elementary Education in the Sioux City School District from 2012 to 2023; and Steven Barber, currently Superintendent for the Grinnell-Newburg School District.

Wednesday, CCCSD announced that a contract was offered to Dr. Burnight, who also worked at schools in California prior to Sioux City. 

Lead recruiter Stephen Murley says his firm will continue to assist the school district and Burnight in establishing performance objectives when he takes over as Charles City Schools superintendent July 1st. Pending his official approval at next Monday (05.13) night’s School Board meeting.

Meanwhile, Lundquist remains on paid administrative leave while the district investigates allegations about unspecified behavior and actions of Lundquist, according to School Board President David Schrodt.

No new details have been provided on the status of that investigation.

Karl Kurt with the Central Rivers AEA is currently serving as temporary superintendent.