Great Prairie Area Education Agency (GPAEA) has announced the results of its most recent board election, which concludes with four superintendents joining the nine-member Board of Directors. The transition follows the requirements outlined in Iowa HF 2612, which dictates that four seats on the board be held by superintendents or their designees.
The newly elected board members are:
- James Craig, Superintendent, Cardinal Community School District
- Richard Montgomery, Superintendent, Albia Community School District
- Mike Petersen, Superintendent, Wapello & Morning Sun Community School Districts
- Mike Still, Superintendent, Wayne Community School District
The new board will meet December 9th, during which outgoing members concluded their terms and the new board will be officially sworn in. Five original board members remain, including Rachel Lindeen, Shelley Morgan, Bev Nelson, Dr. Joy Prothero, and Janice Burch. These five members will serve newly drawn director district territories.
Outgoing board members included Trevor Crall, Matt Greiner, Janet Smith, and Kristin Steingreaber.
"I want to thank the directors that are exiting our board for their service as GPAEA board members. At Great Prairie, we are committed to providing quality, value-added support to those we serve across our agency. I saw this same commitment from these board members and I cannot thank them enough.” said Nathan Wood Chief Administrator of Great Prairie AEA. “At the same time, I am thankful and appreciative of the willingness of these new school leaders to step into this important role as we serve the families, students, and educators of our local school communities. Together, we make a difference."
AEA board elections follow a structured, statewide process outlined in Iowa law. School district boards cast weighted votes to select their AEA representative, and results are certified prior to the seating of the new board. Due to changes required by HF 2612, this year’s cycle included multiple seats transitioning simultaneously and the inclusion of local school leaders.
The GPAEA Board consists of nine members serving staggered four-year terms to support continuity in governance and long-term decision-making.