Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt and Twin Rivers Community School District have announced the names of the finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The three finalists are Ken Hayes, Ryan Fedders, and Justin Jeffs.
Hayes brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, High School Principal, and university professor. He holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Northern Iowa and a Specialist Degree with PK–12 Superintendent/AEA Administrator and Director of Special Education endorsements from Drake University. Hayes has led large high schools, most recently guiding a school of approximately 1,150 students and more than 120 staff, where he implemented instructional improvement initiatives, strengthened school culture, managed significant budgets, and prioritized student safety and inclusion. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of Instruction and Program Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa, preparing future school leaders and staying closely connected to research and emerging trends in education. Hayes lives in the area and substitutes at Humboldt High School.
Fedders, the Principal of Taft Elementary, has led the school to an Exceptional Iowa School Performance Profile rating. He led the implementation of new literacy and math curricula, developed a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and strengthened Professional Learning Communities, resulting in increased student achievement. Fedders helped create a district-wide reflective
process for teacher evaluation. He has served on district-level calendar, handbook, and negotiation committees; compiled and presented financial projections and recommendations to the board; coordinated district operations in the superintendent’s absence, including staffing decisions; and planned and led professional development for substitutes focused on safety procedures. He oversaw building improvements, including a new playground, remodeled classrooms, and a 2024 building addition.
Jeffs currently serves as an Elementary Principal in the Ames Community School District, where he has led a Title I school to Iowa’s highest rating of “Excellence” in 2024, placing it in the top 1% statewide, and oversaw a 40% increase in individual student performance on standardized assessments in one year. He has implemented PBIS, MTSS, and PLC structures, adopted new literacy and math curricula, and reduced suspensions by 70% over two years. Jeffs has coordinated school budgets for 15 years, written grants totaling over $750,000, analyzed enrollment trends and funding allocations, and supported a $110 million bond referendum for multiple school expansions and a new high school. He has co-led districtwide strategic planning, mentored administrators, facilitated professional development statewide through SAI, and was a state champion wrestler in high school.
The three finalists will interview on Wednesday, February 11. The formal interview schedule includes multiple sessions with stakeholder groups and a community tour. Feedback from the interview teams will be shared with the school board later the same evening to assist them in selecting the new superintendent. The successful candidate will begin their duties on July 1.
Current Superintendent Jim Murray announced his intent to retire at the end of the school year at the Dec. 15 Humboldt School Board meeting. His final day is on June 30.