Ankeny School Board Names Bruce Kimpston New Superintendent of Ankeny Schools
Kimpston, who currently serves as the district's associate superintendent of schools, will replace Matthew Wendt. Kimpston's first day as superintendent is July 1.
The Ankeny school board has selected Bruce Kimpston, the district's current associate superintendent of schools, to replace outgoing superintendent Matthew Wendt.
The school board voted unanimously at its regular meeting Monday to appoint Kimpston to the role, offering him a one-year contract. Kimpston has been with the district since 2009.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next superintendent of the Ankeny Community School District,” Kimpston said following the vote. "I have been most impressed with the people in our school community, whether they are students, teachers, support staff, parents, or community members. My experience reflects that people in Ankeny care about their schools."
Kimpston's first official day as superintendent will be July 1. His salary will be $182,250.
Over the next few weeks, Wendt will work with Kimpston during the transition, said board President George Tracy.
"We feel like he is the person for the job," Tracy said following the meeting.
Tracy said Kimpston will start some of his duties as superintendent this week, including staff selection for at least two vacant district cabinet positions. Kimpston's own position, as well as associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction, must be filled.
Ankeny taxpayers filled the board room early Monday night hoping to learn more about the severance package paid to Wendt.
The administrator was not at the meeting, but Ankeny Patch was later told Wendt is using some vacation time, which is why he was not at tonight's meeting.
Wendt resigned last week and received one year's pay in return, with Ankeny school board members saying they believed he did not have another position to go to. However, the next night he signed a contract with the Oswego, IL, school district for an annual salary of $50,000 more than the roughly $176,000 he earned a year in Ankeny.
At least two board members told the media over the weekend that given his new job, Wendt should return the severance money to Ankeny.
Want the full story from tonight's meeting? Check back on Ankeny Patch Tuesday morning.
Derek
8:54 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
$182,250 a year for someone that was an associate superintendent? The school board couldn't be better negotiators...way to save money for our community!!
Megan VerHelst
9:03 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
That was the same annual salary the board was preparing the offer Dr. Wendt last week as part of his contract should he have chosen not to resign. More on that tomorrow!
Derek
9:13 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
That is my point Megan...I don't think they needed to pay an Associate Superientendent that is only getting a one year contract the same amount as Dr Wendt...his salary could and should have been negotiated at a much lower rate.
Charlotte G.
12:30 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Derek, we all know they are over-paid, and isn't it shocking how much their salaries have risen, in comparison to when we were younger, maybe, when the super was not paid much more than the teachers, maybe?
Charlotte G.
12:42 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Trent, give it up, I really am not impressed with the multiple years of experience mantra as a super. At least we didn't hire this new super partly for his ability to pass bond referendums- as the departing one. One of the many reasons in Wend't hire, I realize, but that "qualification" should never be touted to any tax-paying public. Keep that good thing to your board selves, I thought then... I could see the writing on the wall here, in reading that, and I was alarmed. I did vote yes, btw, on the important 1st referendum, since taxes are not my no. 1 concern, never have been. But, lessons learned, and I'll support the new super just as I did with the last one, for the most part.
Jessica Henderson
9:16 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Why is that such a large amount of money? Does anyone even have 1/2 a clue on the duties of the superintendent, who all they're in-charge of, what they're in-charge of, the hours they put in, the meetings they have? In addition, one can't just step off the street with an education degree and a few years of teaching and become a Superintendent. Is it a lot of money, absolutely. Is it more than I make, most certainly but am I concerned, did it shock me, no and no. Do some research, understand the position/job and get the facts before spouting off opinions and your personal agendas.
Jen
9:24 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
Dr. Kimpston is a stand up man that has been an amazing leader in education. The district was incredibly lucky that he will step up to the plate considering the mess left behind by all the departing central office staff. Finally a positive decision made by the Board in terms of education and doing what is best for students and staff!!!
Tonia Land
7:18 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I agree that the salary is too high. We didn't need to pay him the same as Dr. Wendt. It's only a one year contract. How much are we going to pay him or somebody else after the one year? That said, I think it's a great choice. We need someone who will continue the great work done by the departing C and I staff.
Barb
9:18 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dr. Kimpton is worth every penny, and will prove it in a short time with positive results. No more divisivness.