Kacer Named Interim Superintendent of the Johnston Community School District

Laura KacerJOHNSTON, IOWA – Members of the Johnston Board of Education have named Laura Kacer as the interim superintendent of the Johnston Community School District at the May 7 board meeting. The interim position is for the 2018-19 school year.

The board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Kacer following the resignation of current superintendent Dr. Corey Lunn. Kacer currently serves as the district’s Executive Director of Human Resources.

“I am appreciative of Mrs. Kacer’s willingness to accept this interim role, allowing the board to take the necessary time to evaluate and hire the best candidate for the important position of JCSD superintendent,” said board president Greg Dockum.  “Her background and experience within the district will provide the board, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students and community members consistent leadership and stability during the upcoming school year.”

At the May 7 meeting, specifics of Kacer’s interim contract were finalized. She will be paid $180,000 annually. Her official start date is July 1, 2018. During the 2018-19 school year, Kacer will continue to work closely with Human Resources staff to handle employee matters, oversee transportation, and evaluate secondary principals.

Kacer is very familiar with the district and Des Moines metro education environment. She was hired in 2013 as the principal of Johnston Middle School and assumed the role of Executive Director of Human Resources in 2015. Over the course of her 23-year career, she has also held various leadership roles within the Des Moines Public School District, including positions as a principal, vice principal, dean of students, and middle school math teacher.

Kacer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Grand View University and a master’s degree in K-12 Educational Administration from Drake University. Kacer has earned a specialist’s degree in Educational Administration – Superintendent License from Drake. She also holds a licensure in evaluator approval.

Kacer resides in West Des Moines with her husband. Her daughters are students at Iowa State University.

Outgoing Johnston Community School District superintendent Corey Lunn announced his resignation on May 3 after working in Johnston for four years. His last day will be June 30, 2018.

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