Montezuma Staff and Families –
First and foremost, let me say how excited I am to be the next Superintendent of Schools here at Montezuma.
Montezuma has a reputation for being an outstanding school system in our area with rich tradition of academic excellence. The opportunities offered beyond the classroom setting are also exemplary, as they provide enriching learning experiences for students at all levels.
As an educator, I wholeheartedly value the programs and services in place, and I am committed to building upon past practices to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions.
In addition to those reasons mentioned above, it was the level of community involvement that made Montezuma stand out to me. I witnessed a sense of pride, and the maintenance of a positive school culture as I underwent the interview process.
Since that time, I have experienced it firsthand over the past few weeks, as each of the faculty members, parents, students, and residents I have met have been extremely welcoming.
Please know that it is my intent to make every effort to foster and cultivate the current environment, and build upon the great things already happening every day to ensure the continued success of our students, schools and community.
For those of you who may not know me, I grew up outside of Sigourney on a family hog farm. I graduated high school from Sigourney in 2003, while participating in a variety of sports and other extra-curricular activities.
I earned my bachelors degree and teaching credentials from William Penn in Oskaloosa; obtained my graduate degree from GCU; superintendent and special education director endorsements through UNI; and am completing my Ed D doctorate at UNI now.
As an educator, I have served as a teacher, coach, building administrator, AEA administrator, and now your superintendent of schools.
I currently reside north of Sigourney with my wife, Sarah, who is a field sales representative for Bayer; and children Brayden (12), Masen (4), and Ainslee (3).
One of the first tasks at hand this summer is to collaborate with district stakeholders to establish a comprehensive, and meaningful Return to Learn plan for this fall.
I trust that together, we can continue to make Montezuma an effective, yet safe learning environment for our staff, our students, and our families in this challenging time.
There is much for us to do, but I am confident that working together, we will be successful.
Please check out the new district website; along with social media accounts in the upcoming weeks for more updates regarding the district plans for school this fall.
I look forward to working collaboratively with our Board of Education, staff, students, and Montezuma community as we strive to sustain our current initiatives, while establishing a clear vision of our future.
I consider it a privilege to be part of the Montezuma community, and look forward to getting to know and working with all of you.
I hope that everyone has a fun, happy, and healthy rest of the summer.
Nathan Wood
Superintendent of Schools