Dr. David Benson Named Finalist
For Superintendent
After interviewing four candidates for the position of District Superintendent, the Board of Education has identified Dr. David L. Benson as a finalist.
Dr. Benson is in his fifth year as Superintendent in the Ladue School District in St. Louis, Missouri. He previously served for 17 years as superintendent in school districts in Kansas and Iowa.
Dr. Benson earned his B.S. ED. and M.S. degrees from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS; an Ed. S. in school administration from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS; and a Ph.D in educational administration and Foundations from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.
Dr. Benson visited Cedar Rapids on Dec. 10. During the day, he toured schools and met with small groups. A community forum for parents, the public, and all staff was held in the evening. At that event, attended by some 100 community members, Dr. Benson shared comments and addressed questions related to District initiatives. In defining a successful school district he noted academics, school safety, and community relations as key.
“We will be judged successful as a school district if our students achieve academically,” he said. “That is our first and foremost mission. Everything else that we do relates to that academic mission.”
The Board will now complete reference checks on the candidate, conduct a comprehensive background check, and visit Dr. Benson's current school district before making a decision.
Superintendent Dr. Dave Markward will retire at the end of June.