301.35 Superintendent Contract and Contract Non Renewal

The length of the superintendent’s employment contract shall be determined by the board in alignment with Iowa law. The contract shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30 and shall state the terms of the superintendent’s employment.

In the event of termination of a contract, the board will afford the superintendent appropriate due process, including notice by May 15. The superintendent and board may mutually agree to terminate the superintendent’s contract at any time.

If a superintendent’s contract is not being renewed by the board, the contract will be extended automatically for additional one-year periods beyond the end of its term until such time as it is modified or terminated as mutually agreed to by the parties or until such time as the superintendent’s contract is terminated in keeping with statutory termination procedures.

It is the board’s responsibility to provide the superintendent’s contract. If the superintendent wishes to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, the superintendent must comply with board policies or specific contract provisions dealing with retirement, release, or resignation.

Legal Reference:
Cook v Plainfield Community School District, 301 N.W.2d 771 (Iowa App. 1980).
Board of Education of Fort Madison Community School District v. Youel, 282 N.W.2d 677 (Iowa 1979).
Briggs v Board of Directors of Hinton Community School District, 282 N.W.2d 740 (Iowa 1979).
Luse v. Waco Community School District of Henry Co., 258 Iowa 1087, 141 N.W.2d 607 (1966).
Iowa Code §§ 21.5(1)(i); 279.20, .22-.25 (2011).
281i.a.c. 12.4(4)

Cross Reference:
301.10 Superintendent of Schools-Qualifications
301.20 Superintendent of Schools-Functions
301.40 Superintendent Evaluation
301.50 Superintendent Salary and Other Compensation

Adopted:
March 26, 2012

Reviewed:
February 20, 2017
September 1, 2022

Revised:
October 17, 2022