Following former Superintendent Matt Degner’s decision to step down, the person left to take on his responsibilities was unknown. After careful deliberation by the Board of Education, a conclusion was reached. On June 27th, an email was sent to families, students and staff announcing that Amy Kortemeyer will serve as Interim Superintendent, effective July 1st.
Amy Kortemeyer is no stranger to the Iowa City community. She has over 30 years of experience in education, with a notable background in the Iowa City Community School District. Previously, she served as the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Elementary Schools from 2015 to 2023. In this role, she helped to oversee all aspects of elementary education, prioritizing the efficiency, consistency, and upkeep of practices throughout the district. Shortly after, in 2023, she was named the Superintendent of the Linn-Mar Community School District, until she announced her retirement from the position at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Alongside her leadership roles, she has also worked as a district-level curriculum leader, elementary school principal and classroom teacher, demonstrating her dedication to the work of an educator.
In a press release from the Executive Director of Community Relations, Kristin Pedersen, Kortemeyer expressed her excitement for her revisit to the ICCSD. “I am honored by the opportunity to return to the Iowa City Community School District as interim superintendent. Having previously served here, I know firsthand the dedication of our educators, staff, students, families and community members.”
Kortemeyer obtained her superintendent’s certificate from the University of Northern Iowa, the same place she earned her master’s degree in elementary reading and language arts. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa. In 2020, she was a School Administrators of Iowa Central Office Administrator of the Year finalist and was selected for the American Association of School Administrators Aspiring Women Leaders Program in 2016.
The Board of Education plans to hold an impromptu meeting on Monday, June 29th, to discuss the approval of Kortemeyer’s interim contract. The Board assures close collaboration with Kortemeyer will ensure the district’s policies and priorities are well attended to while preparing for the transition of power to come alongside a permanent fill-in for superintendent.
