The Twin Cedars Community School District has received 14 applications for the Elementary Principal position and is moving forward in the selection process.
The hiring team recently reviewed applications and identified four candidates as finalists. Those candidates are Shannon Starr, Elise Sisler, Alana Hutchinson, and Karla Day.
Shannon Starr is an experienced principal currently leading in Seymour Community School District. She has a strong background in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and behavior management. She implemented Capturing Kids’ Hearts and PBIS, reducing negative behaviors by 60%. Starr has extensive experience in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), staff development, and curriculum coordination. She holds an Advanced Studies degree in Education Administration from UNI and a Master’s in Educational Administration from William Woods University.
Elise Sisler is a 4th and 5th-grade teacher and mentor at Murray CSD with leadership experience in teacher mentoring, professional development, and curriculum design. She has worked extensively with technology integration, PBIS, and enrichment programs. Though she lacks direct principal experience, her leadership roles in PLCs, instructional coaching, and school improvement highlight her readiness for administration. She holds an M.A.E. with a Principalship Endorsement from UNI.
Alana Hutchinson is the current Elementary Principal at Oskaloosa CSD, with prior experience as a K-12 School Improvement Consultant and Instructional Coach. She excels in strategic planning, curriculum leadership, and professional development. Hutchinson has led initiatives in MTSS, data-driven instruction, and behavior management, serving on the statewide Mathematics Leadership Team. She holds a Master’s in Education Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
Karla Day is a Professional Learning and Leadership Consultant at Heartland AEA with expertise in school improvement, assessment, and MTSS implementation. She previously worked at the Iowa Department of Education, leading statewide school accountability and Title I support. Though she lacks recent school-level administrative experience, she brings a strong data-driven and systemic approach to educational leadership. She holds an MBA from Iowa State and is pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum Leadership at Viterbo University.
The interview process on March 24 will include opportunities for stakeholders to meet and engage with the candidates before a final selection is made. The district hopes to name a new elementary principal and director of curriculum and instruction soon after the interviews.