KATIE STOCKSTILL
MORNING SUN
ON THE GO EDITOR

Matthew Wendt, assistant superintendent for Pittsburg, USD 250, is headed north.

On Tuesday Wendt submitted his official resignation to USD 250 and accepted the position of superintendent for the Ankeny public school district in Ankeny, Iowa.

Wendt, who has served as the assistant superintendent for USD 250 since 2000, said his new position provides him an opportunity to lead a growing school district.

"The position has what I was looking for," Wendt said. "I have a desire to lead a large, comprehensive school district. This move is about fit. At my age this is a great career move."

Gaylord Tryon, president of G. Tryon and Associates, a superintendent search firm, assisted the Ankeny school district in their search for a new superintendent.

"The district was looking for somebody who had some expertise in school improvement, would keep the district focused on school improvement and somebody that was very good in terms of reaching out to people and building relationships," Gaylord said. "They are going through a lot of long range planning and Matt has some experience with bond issues, so that was another attraction to the board."

Gary Price, superintendent for USD 250, said he has enjoyed his time working with Wendt.

"I have been grateful to watch Matt mature and become ready for a superintendent position," Price said. "It sounds like Matt has found an exceptionally good fit. I wish him great success."

Wendt will submit his resignation to the school board in January and will conclude his time in Pittsburg on June 30, 2007. He will begin his duties in Ankeny on July 1, 2007.

Ankeny is located four mile north of Des Moines. The school district currently has 7,500 students and is expected to grow by approximately 300 students over the next few years.

Price said the district will begin the search for a new assistant superintendent immediately, with the goal of having a new assistant superintendent hired by March 1.

The Morning Sun, (www.morningsun.net) December 21, 2006

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