Crozier a finalist at Waukee

DONNELLSON – The Waukee Community School District in Central Iowa has listed Central Lee Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier as one of its three finalists for their open superintendent position.
The other finalists include Mark Lane, Superintendent, Woodward-Granger Community School District, and Dr. Michelle Morse, Superintendent, Bettendorf Community School District.
Crozier said Tuesday he wasn’t actively looking for a new job, but said when a spot like that opens up, you have to take a look.
“I wasn’t looking at all, and I know what my colleagues around the state are doing. I haven’t applied for another job for more than 10 years,” Crozier said.
“But you have to consider Waukee one of the premiere school districts in the state of Iowa. When we saw the position was open, you just have to give it a look.”
The district issued a statement today saying the three candidates fit the district’s needs.
“We believe these finalists have skills and qualities that align with our superintendent candidate profile, as well as the experience to lead our incredible district into the future,” Board President Armel R. Traore dit Nignan wrote in an email to families, students, and staff.
The District received 15 applications for the position, which begins July 1. The Waukee CSD School Board conducted screening interviews with five semifinalists and selected the three final candidates to advance in the process.
Going forward, the district will hold stakeholder and board interviews on March 9 with a selection being announced on March 12. 
Each candidate will meet with interview groups representing the Waukee CSD community, including students, parents, community members, school administrators, district administrators, certified staff, classified staff, and Board members.
Following the interviews, the board will review feedback gathered from each stakeholder group before making a final decision. The board is expected to take action to approve the new superintendent during the March 12 Board meeting. A public announcement will be shared immediately after the meeting.

Crozier said the aggressive timeline is a positive for everyone.
“It was helpful because it streamlines things for everyone involved and gives some finality in a timely manner,” he said.
Crozier said if he is selected he would finish the school year at Central Lee, but he added quickly that if he isn’t selected for the post it will not be a sad day for him or his family.
“If they go in a different direction, I’m not going to be sad at all. I’m in a really great place right now,” he said.
He said the position creates opportunities not only for him, but for his wife Julie's teaching skills, and opportunities for the couple's children.
The potential change from a rural school district to one of the most prominent districts in the state isn't intimidating for him, or an incentive to move.
"No matter where you are as a superintendent, you're in a fish bowl," he said. "You just want to build and find solutions for kids."
Crozier began his career as an elementary teacher and coach, later becoming activities director at Louisa-Muscatine School District. He went on to serve as Coordinator of Digital Learning for the Grant Wood AEA.
At age 28, Crozier was appointed superintendent and principal of the Andrew Community School District, becoming the youngest superintendent in Iowa at the time. He later served as a shared superintendent for Andrew and Easton Valley Schools before joining Central Lee Community Schools.
Crozier is also on the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Viterbo University, and completed his doctoral program at Western Illinois University.
Current Waukee Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck informed the board that this will be his last year after 34 years of educational service, including 17 at Waukee. Buck will be taking over as executive director of the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI), beginning July 1.