Thomas Ryherd. Photo Courtesy of Perry Community School District

The Perry Community School District will have a new superintendent next year.

The district announces that Thomas Ryherd will start as superintendent on July 1, pending a successful background check and board approval of his contract. 

Ryherd will succeed Clark Wicks, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Ryherd currently serves as superintendent of the Cherokee Community School District and has over 25 years of experience in Iowa schools. He began his career in education as a sixth grade math teacher at Perry Elementary School.

Ryherd says in a release from the district that he is looking forward to the opportunity to return to the Perry community.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the faculty, staff, students and families of Perry. I look forward to building authentic relationships with students, staff, families and community members to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.” 

Before his superintendent role, Ryherd served 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 district-wide facility planning process and oversaw a high school remodel and addition.

President Linda Andorf says the board cited Ryherd’s commitment to open communication and relationship-centered leadership as key factors in his selection.

“The Perry Community School District is excited to have Tom Ryherd join the Bluejay family. Tom is a talented leader and gifted administrator who has demonstrated his ability in a variety of assignments. Tom’s passion for non-traditional learning opportunities, previous teaching experience in diverse communities and experience as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent will be a tremendous asset for the Perry district and community.”

Grundmeyer Leader Services assisted the board with the search process. The board received 26 applications before narrowing those to six semi-finalists. The board held a final round of in-person interviews with Ryherd, Laura Skeel and Dr. Michael Volk, along with tours of the district and community, on Wednesday before announcing the hire of Ryherd on Friday afternoon.