Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2026

Great Prairie AEA and Sigourney CSD Enter Leadership Sharing Partnership 

 

[SIGOURNEY, IA] — Sigourney Community School District and Great Prairie Area Education Agency (AEA) have agreed to a new partnership designed to strengthen leadership and services for students and schools. As part of this agreement, Nathan Wood will serve in a dual role as Chief Administrator of Great Prairie AEA and part-time Superintendent of Sigourney Community School District.

Wood will serve Sigourney approximately two days per week while continuing to lead Great Prairie AEA. Both boards will take official action on the agreement at their upcoming board meetings next week. He will begin his duties with Sigourney CSD on July 1, 2026, succeeding Superintendent Kevin Hatfield, who is retiring at the end of June after 38 years in education, including the past four years serving Sigourney.

Sigourney School Board President Mike Bensmiller said the board is confident in Wood’s ability to lead the district.

“Nathan has the experience and qualifications to guide our district forward. He has the proven ability to improve schools and promote a positive culture. As an alumnus and community member, he is invested in our district’s future. We look forward to working with him and the leadership he will provide.”

Current Sigourney Superintendent Kevin Hatfield expressed excitement about the district’s future, noting that Mr. Wood will serve as the next Superintendent of Schools.

“Following a comprehensive, stakeholder-driven interview process, Mr. Wood emerged as the clear choice to lead the SCSD. His extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and deep familiarity with our district make him an excellent fit for this role.”

Wood has served as Chief Administrator of Great Prairie AEA since July 2023, where he leads more than 240 staff members who support approximately 33,000 students and 2,000 educators across southeast Iowa. His career includes experience as a superintendent, district and building-level administrator, and educator. Earlier in his career, he served Sigourney CSD as a PK–6 school administration manager, middle school science teacher, and special education teacher.

In 2024, Wood was named Iowa’s Workplace Top Executive Leader. He also serves on the Rural Schools of Iowa executive board and the School Administrators of Iowa Representative Council.

A 2003 graduate of Sigourney High School, Wood holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and earned his superintendent licensure through the University of Northern Iowa. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, with anticipated completion in 2026.

Wood and his wife, Sarah, have three children who attend Sigourney CSD: Brayden, a senior; Masen, a fourth grader; and Ainslee, a third grader. He enjoys coaching local youth sports, working on the family farm, and racing dirt track cars across the area.

Great Prairie AEA Board President Dr. Joy Prothero said the partnership reflects a forward-thinking approach to leadership.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both organizations. We are confident this partnership will benefit both Great Prairie AEA and Sigourney CSD and have a positive impact for the students, educators, and communities we serve.”

Mr. Wood said he is honored to serve the Sigourney community in this new role.

“Having the opportunity to serve my home school community as their next superintendent is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to building upon strong relationships, and continuing the great work already happening everyday in Sigourney’s school buildings. I am committed long term to ensuring all schools in our area remain strong, supportive, and fiscally responsible as we serve our students and families.”

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About Sigourney Community School District
Sigourney Community School District (SCSD) is a rural public district in Keokuk County, Iowa, serving Sigourney, Delta, and Hayesville. It operates a preschool/elementary school and a junior/senior high school, focusing on a "Portrait of a Learner" initiative (teamwork, responsibility, adaptability, communication, critical thinking).

About Great Prairie Area Education Agency
Great Prairie AEA provides leadership and service to more than 33,000 students, 2,500 teachers and administrators in 32 school districts and 11 accredited non-public schools across 6,360 square miles in Southeast Iowa. Great Prairie AEA's programs and services are agency-wide focusing on improving student performance.

For more information:
Sigourney Community School District: https://www.sigourneyschools.com/
Great Prairie AEA: https://www.gpaea.org/