Dr. Rod Earleywine retires as superintendent of Sioux City Community School District

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – The public school district in Sioux City has begun searching for a new principal.

This is because current principal Dr. Rod Earleywine announced that he plans to retire after this school year.

Dr. Earleywine joined the Sioux City Community School District as interim superintendent in July 2022 after Dr. Paul Gausman decided to become superintendent of Omaha schools.

Dr. Earleywine became the permanent principal in January 2023. Before that, he was the principal of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District for 15 years.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal in the Sioux City Community School District. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated educators and administrators who share a common goal of enabling students to reach their highest potential,” Earleywine said. “As I look forward to my next role and spending more time with my family and friends, my role with Sioux City Community Schools continues. We have important work to accomplish this school year, and I am committed to building on the success we have achieved over the next several months.”

Dr. Earlywine’s last day will be June 30th.

The Sioux City School Board doesn’t think it will need an interim principal this time around because it has nine months to find a replacement.

“It comes down to, you know, what are we all looking for? What kind of candidates are we looking for in Sioux City that will move our district forward from the rest? And I think the experience, I’m glad we have some experience on the board that has been through this process and is still fresh in our minds,” said Sioux City Community School District Board President Jan George.

The Sioux City Community School Board plans to hire a recruiting firm to conduct a nationwide search for the district’s next superintendent. The board will select the recruiting firm in the coming weeks.

“Dr. Earleywine has done an outstanding job leading our district and providing a bridge to our future. We appreciate her vision and advocacy on behalf of Sioux City Community Schools and public education. Her work has positioned the District for future success, and with input from district team members, students, families and community leaders, we are confident that we will be able to identify an experienced candidate to lead the District in the years ahead,” “We are committed to a thorough and transparent search for our next superintendent and look forward to beginning that process soon.”

More detailed information about the search will be announced in the coming days.