The Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency’s Board of Directors has selected a new Chief Administrator.
Dr. Dan Mart is currently the interim superintendent at the Keokuk Community School District. Mart has served in educational leadership roles for 25 years, including a PK-12 principal for the Terril and Graettinger districts, where he also served as the shared superintendent.
A news release from the Prairie Lakes AEA states that Mart’s experience in both rural and mid-sized Iowa school districts, his connections and work with legislators, and experience with enacting a strategic plan stood out with the Board of Directors, along with the fact that he has successfully served as a leader in districts with both rapid and declining enrollment.
Mart will oversee more than 235 full and part-time staff members who provide special education and school improvement services, along with technology and media support to 47 public and accredited nonpublic schools. The Prairie Lakes AEA serves school districts in counties including Buena Vista, Calhoun, Clay, Pocahontas, and Sac.
Mart’s contract will be formally approved at the Prairie Lakes AEA board meeting this coming Monday night, and he will begin his new role on July 1st. Mart will succeed Dr. Susie Meade, who has led the agency for the last three years.