School Board Hires Webner To Be Next Superintendent

(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community Board of Education announced last evening (Monday) it has hired Dr. Steve Webner as the next superintendent of schools.

steve-webnerWebner is not a stranger to the Le Mars Community School District, as he has previously servedĀ as the Middle School principal, and most recently, for the past seven years, as the position of Assistant Superintendent. The decision to hire Webner was unanimous by the school board, but it wasn’t automatic. Pat Murphy serves as the school board’s president. He says the school board consulted with other school district representatives, and conducted a series of interviews with Dr. Steve Webner
before making a final decision.

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Murphy says Le Mars Community is fortunate to already have Webner’s skills and insight about education in general, and specifically about the educational goals pertaining to the Le Mars Community School District.

Murphy says there were some concerns among board members, including himself, as to whether they should promote from within the district, or conduct an extensive search outside the district.

With the state legislature starting its general session, many school officials wonder if cuts will be needed if the legislature doesn’t offer a significant increase for school spending? With that in mind, will the Le Mars Community School District conduct a search for another person to fill the role of Assistant
Superintendent, or will the position remain vacant, at least for a short-term basis, as a way for the school district to save money?

The school board president says ultimately, the decision may rest with the incoming superintendent, as to when, and what type of administrator is needed for the Le Mars Community School District.

Webner signed a three-year contract with the district, at an annual salary of $155,000 per year with an opportunity for an annual performance review, and salary adjustment. He will begin his duties as the Le Mars Community School District superintendent on July 1st, the start of the new school year.