The Southeast Polk Board of Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Tony Aylsworth has been selected as the next Superintendent of the Southeast Polk Community School District, beginning July 1, 2026.

“The Board of Education is excited to welcome Dr. Aylsworth as Southeast Polk’s next superintendent,” said Board President Chad Crabb. “Throughout the selection process, his energy, authenticity, and passion for student success made him stand out among an excellent pool of candidates. We are excited to work alongside Dr. Aylsworth, our dedicated staff, and the Southeast Polk community to build on our tradition of excellence and success for all students.”

This decision followed an extensive search process, working with search firm Grundmeyer Leader Services. The Board screened 8 candidates before selecting 3 finalists. Those finalists participated in interviews with over 40 representatives from stakeholder groups, including staff, students, parents, and community members. They were also interviewed by our Cabinet, Principals, and Directors, and the Board conducted final interviews before making its decision.

We are incredibly grateful to the many #1SEP community members who served on interview committees and helped shape this important decision. Your voice mattered, and your thoughtful engagement strengthened the process.

Click here for the official press release from our search firm.

Look for more communication and opportunities to welcome Dr. Aylsworth in the upcoming months to ensure a smooth transition.

Welcome to the Ram Fam, Dr. Alysworth!

February 27, 2026

Superintendent Announced

The Southeast Polk Board of Education is pleased to announce that Dr. Tony Aylsworth has been selected as the next Superintendent of the Southeast Polk Community School District, beginning July 1, 2026. Click here for the official press release from our search firm.

Formal Finalist Interviews Held

On February 25, 2026, three finalists participated in interviews with over 40 representatives from stakeholder groups, including staff, students, parents, and community members. They were also interviewed by our Cabinet, Principals, and Directors, and the Board conducted final interviews before making its decision.

Screening Interviews Held

The Southeast Polk School Board conducted 8 screening interviews on February 12 and 13 to identify finalists. Formal interviews with selected finalists are scheduled for February 25.

Application Closed

The Southeast Polk Community School District has officially closed the application phase of its superintendent search. A total of 20 applications were received, representing a strong and diverse pool of candidates. 

Superintendent Survey Summary

Grundmeyer Leader Services has provided a summary of the responses to our community-wide Superintendent Survey. The results are available below. 

TIMELINE: Click here to see a more detailed schedule/timeline for our Southeast Polk Superintendent Search: Superintendent Search Hiring Timeline 2025-2026

SEARCH FIRM PRESENTATION: Click on the links below to see Grundmeyer’s presentations at recent school board meetings:

February 5 School Board Meeting: February 5, 2026, School Board Meeting Livestream GLS began presenting at the 1:32:05 mark of the video.

January 22 School Board Meeting: January 22, 2026, School Board Meeting Livestream. GLS began presenting at the 30:50 mark of the video. To see the Superintendent Survey Results Report, see below.

January 8 School Board Meeting: January 8, 2026, School Board Meeting livestream. Art Sathoff from GLS began presenting at the 1:16:25 mark of the video.

The Southeast Polk Community School District has completed the search for its next superintendent following the upcoming retirement of Dr. Dirk Halupnik at the end of the school year. The school board is seeking a leader who will continue to build on SEP’s strong tradition of academic excellence, student opportunities, and community partnerships.

This page will serve as the central hub for information about the superintendent search process, including key dates, opportunities for community input, and updates as the search progresses. Our goal is to ensure a transparent process that reflects the values of our schools and community. Please check back here often for updates!

From December 11, 2025, through January 9, 2026, our Southeast Polk Community was invited to complete a survey providing their input regarding our Superintendent Search. Students, staff, parents and community members were asked 5 questions. Here is the report of those responses.

1. What qualities, characteristics, and leadership strengths should the new superintendent ideally have?
2. What challenges or opportunities do you see that Southeast Polk will face in the next few years?
3. What are the top priorities the superintendent should focus on in their first year?
4. What advice would you give the new superintendent?
5. Is there anything else you would like the Board to know?

Click here to read the report: GLS_Southeast Polk_January 2026 Superintendent Survey Report (Final) 

The Southeast Polk School District has engaged Grundmeyer Leader Services to guide the Board of Education through the search for the district’s next superintendent. Since conducting its first search in 2013, GLS has grown into a trusted partner for school districts seeking visionary, effective leadership.

>Check out their presentation at the January 8, 2026, School Board Meeting: January 8, 2026, School Board Meeting livestream. Art Sathoff from GLS began presenting at the 1:16:25 mark of the video.