ACSD Board makes hiring of Jay Mathis as new Superintendent official at regular session

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors officially hired area native Jay Mathis for the district's Superintendent position at the board's regular monthly session Monday, March 19. Mathis and retiring ACSD Superintendent Dave Herold will be transitioning the rest of the school year before Mathis officially begins his duties July 1 of this year.

Mathis is a 1982 graduate of Waukon High School whose most recent education administration experience has included a six-year tenure as Superintendent of the Eldora-New Providence Community School District in Hardin County, serving as the shared superintendent during the 2015-2016 school year between Eldora-New Providence and Gladbrook-Reinbeck Schools. He started his teaching career at Garner-Hayfield, where he served as a math teacher and coach. He went on to teach, coach and instruct drivers education at Decorah in 1994. From there, he took his first leadership position at Clear Lake High School serving as the Associate Principal and Athletic Director for five years and then high school principal for an additional seven years.

The candidate pool for the ACSD position included 18 total applicants. Seven candidates were from outside the state of Iowa, eight candidates had superintendent experience, and five candidates had an Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree. The education background for Mathis includes a bachelor’s degree from Luther College, master’s degree in educational leadership from Iowa State University and superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa. In his current role at Eldora-New Providence, he has helped incorporate PBIS in the elementary schools, AIW in the high school, brought ALiCE (Active Shooter) Training to the district, and successfully guided a voter-approved PPEL referendum.

Knowing the Allamakee Community School District and area from growing up here, Mathis said, “I understand and embrace the culture and values that exist in the district. I believe that my teaching and administrative experiences in five different districts give me valuable insight and perspective that will enable me to provide guidance and support to the staff and school board.”

Mathis and his wife - another area native, the former Maria Welsh - have three daughters and a new son-in-law, Kara (Ryan), age 27; Katie, age 24; and Kristin, age 20. In his free time, Mathis enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing. He is excited about serving as the district superintendent and says, “It is a privilege and honor to return home to further my educational career. My grandfather, Bob McLeese, was the superintendent at Waterville prior to consolidation, so I feel as though I am extending his legacy.”