Breaking: Former Charles City Schools Leadership Team Member to Become New Nashua-Plainfield/Tri[poli Superintendent

A former principal in the Charles City School system will become the next shared superintendent for the Nashua-Plainfield and Tripoli school districts.

Pending final approval of his contract and 28E agreement by both School Boards, Tom Harskamp will replace the outgoing Jay Marley. Harskamp currently serves as Head Principal at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo.

A joint press release by the school districts says Harskamp has a strong track record of improving student outcomes, strengthening district culture, and coaching and mentoring administrators and teachers in effective instructional practices. In his current role, he leads a district of more than 850 students and oversees a staff of 90+ team members.

Tripoli School Board President Dan Smith says, “We are excited to welcome Tom as our next superintendent.” 

Nashua-Plainfield School Board President Pat Lentz adds, “His commitment to student-centered leadership, forward thinking, and continuous improvement makes him an excellent fit for our districts.”

Harskamp says, “I am truly honored and excited to serve as the next superintendent of the Nashua-Plainfield and Tripoli Community School Districts. I look forward to supporting these communities in the Cedar Valley area and contributing to their continued success.”

Harskamp was among three finalists to interview on Wednesday (05.06). He will officially begin his shared superintendent duties on July 1.

Marley announced last month he would be leaving at the end of the school year, June 30th, to become superintendent at Clayton Ridge in Guttenberg.

Prior to Harskamp’s current post in Waterloo, he was Executive Director of Student Engagement and Leadership for Charles City Schools, also serving as Co-Principal and Associate Principal at Charles City Middle School.

Tripoli and Nashua-Plainfield partnered with edkconsulting, LLC, led by former Waverly-Shell Rock Superintendent Ed Klamforh, to conduct the superintendent search.

EDK also assisted the Osage and Riceville school districts in the hiring of current Roland-Story Middle/High School Principal Andy McQuillen to replace outgoing shared Superintendent Barb Schwamman, whose resignation is also effective June 30th..