The search for Perry’s next superintendent is nearing completion as the Perry School Board recently announced it has selected three finalists.
The board received 26 applications for the superintendent position. Grundmeyer Leader Services assisted the board in conducting virtual interviews with the six semi-finalists on March 4.
The board has narrowed the field down to three finalists, including Tom Ryherd, Laura Skeel and Dr. Michael Volk.
Ryherd currently serves as superintendent of the Cherokee Community School District in Cherokee, Iowa. He assumed the role after serving as principal at Washington High School in Cherokee. In both positions, he worked to expand postsecondary and career opportunities for students with local medical centers and community colleges. As superintendent, he also initiated a districtwide facility planning process and led the early phases of a remodeling and addition project at the high school.
Ryherd has also served as a principal in other districts, led staff and students through the COVID-19 pandemic, and implemented an anti-bullying curriculum during his 17 years in school leadership.
Skeel is the current principal of Perry Elementary School and has worked in the Perry Community School District for more than 11 years. In her current role, she leads a school community of approximately 800 students and 150 staff members, overseeing curriculum implementation with a focus on student achievement. She also provides professional development and coaching for teachers and support staff.
Prior to becoming principal, Skeel served as the district’s director of learning supports. In that role, she oversaw special education, English learner, and Section 504 programs across the district, ensuring services met student needs while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.
Dr. Volk most recently served as superintendent and executive officer for the Columbus Community School District. In this role, he oversaw a $14 million budget and helped improve early literacy scores by 25 percent since 2023 through the implementation of LETRS training for elementary teachers. He also led the district through a successful voter-approved physical plant and equipment levy.
Previously, Volk served as principal of St. Patrick School in Anamosa, Iowa, and as the talented and gifted coordinator for South Tama Community School District. He also spent 11 years as an educator, focusing on talented and gifted programming and language arts instruction.
The board will hold a final round of interviews with the three finalists on Wednesday. The day will include interviews with the board and stakeholder teams along with tours of the district and the community. The board plans to make a final decision shortly after the interviews conclude.
The next superintendent will begin serving the Perry Community School District on July 1, 2026.