Johnston Board of Education names Dr. Nikki Roorda as next superintendent

JOHNSTON, Ia (Oct. 25, 2023) — After a search and interview process, the Johnston Board of Education has named Dr. Nikki Roorda as the district’s permanent superintendent.

Dr. Roorda is currently serving as the Interim Superintendent of the Johnston Community School District. She has served the district since August 2019, previously in the roles of Associate Superintendent and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. She was the Regional Director for Heartland AEA for 12 years and previously worked as a K-12 literacy coordinator in Ankeny and as a classroom teacher in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, West Des Moines, Ankeny and Montezuma.

“I am deeply honored by the district’s selection of me as the permanent superintendent of the Johnston Community School District,” Dr. Roorda said. “As many of you know, it has been a longtime goal and dream of mine to be a superintendent. I am so proud of the work we’ve done here together these past four years, and we’ve only just begun. Johnston is a great place and I am so excited to continue leading us to be even better. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

Dr. Roorda holds a doctorate in education from Walden University in Minneapolis and a superintendent certification. She is an active member of several professional organizations including The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Learning Forward, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) and Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB).

“We have appreciated Dr. Roorda’s leadership as Interim Superintendent these past few months, and are excited to welcome her as the long-term leader of our district,” said Dr. Alicia Clevenger, president of the Johnston Board of Education. “We are confident that her expertise and dedication will propel the district to new heights in both educational excellence, as well as in developing a culture here where everyone feels welcome, valued and heard.”

The Johnston Board of Education would like to thank the interview team for their invaluable feedback and insights. Board members worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. Dr. Roorda was one of two finalists who interviewed Tuesday, Oct. 24 with stakeholder interview groups of students, parents, teachers and community members.

In a move expressing confidence in Dr. Roorda, her new title will be reflected almost immediately. She will assume her role as superintendent of the Johnston Community School District on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Her contract is expected to be up for approval at the school board’s regularly scheduled meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 at the District Office.

A superintendent search stakeholder survey seeking community feedback on the priorities of this search was conducted from Sept. 27 to Oct. 11 and generated 503 responses. Two of the top desired skills and qualifications identified for the next superintendent included recruiting, hiring, supporting, developing and retaining effective staff; as well as promoting a community of care and support for students.