Application/Selection Process

Given the Board’s governing policy and the provisions of the Iowa Code, the Ames School Board has established a process for selecting and appointing an individual to fill the unexpired term of office. It is important to note that all portions of the appointment process are public.

All interested applicants must submit an application by 3 pm on November 22, 2024.  A complete application includes the following: 

A Letter of Interest of 500 words or less shall include but is not limited to the following: 

Describe how you can help represent the community’s vision and values in pursuit of the District’s Strategic Plan.  In recent community engagement and outreach, the Board found the following areas of high importance for the Ames CSD community. Please share and identify how you will advocate for the representation of the community’s vision and values in each of these objectives:

  • Objective 1- Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health & Safety: Each student will benefit from a safe and vibrant environment that facilitates learning and promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
  • Objective 2 – Instructional Framework and Programs: Each student will benefit from a consistent and viable curriculum, engaging instruction, and connected programs designed to ensure that everyone gets what they need to be successful.
  • Objective 3 – Meeting Diverse Needs: Each student will benefit from a clear system in which academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs are identified, skills are taught, and high expectations are met.
  • Objective 4 – Organization Responsiveness and Communication:  Each student will benefit from effective communication and feedback with staff and the community.
  • Objective 5 – Building Stakeholder Engagement and Support: Each student will benefit from a variety of community partnerships that support their educational, career, and extracurricular pursuits.
  • Objective 6 – Attracting, Retaining, and Developing High-Quality Staff: Each student will benefit from a diverse staff who will engage in regular, high-quality professional learning and reflection.

Applicants should also feel free to contact the School Board President with any questions about the selection process or School Board-related issues. We also encourage applicants to review the Board Handbook.

All required application materials should be submitted by mail, email or in-person delivery no later than 3 pm on November 22, 2024 to:

Ames Community School District Board of Directors Vacancy
ATTN: Sherri Ruzek
2005 24th St
Ames, IA 50010
sherri.ruzek@ames.k12.ia.us

Timeline

The following are key dates in the process to fill the vacancy on the Ames School Board:

  • December 1, 2024 – William “Scott” Dryer resignation from the Board is effective
  • November 8 – 22 – Letters of Interest and Resumes/Bios may be submitted by individuals interested in filling the vacancy
  • November 22, 3 pm – deadline to submit Letters of Interest and Resumes/Bios
  • November 22- December 2 – School Board reviews applications and scores applicants
  • December 2 – All applicants will be contacted regarding status by this date and invited to interview with the School Board
  • December 9 – Public interviews of candidates beginning at 5:30 pm in the Board Room at the Ames CSD District Office
  • December 9 – School Board Work Session to discuss and determine appointment
  • December 16 – Appointed Board member sworn in at a Special School Board meeting.
  • December 16, 2024 – November 17, 2025 – Period of service for newly appointed School Board member
  • November 4, 2025 – School Board Elections