The Pleasant Valley Community School District Board of Education has announced three finalists for the district’s next superintendent following a comprehensive review process with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services.
The three finalists are Dr. Darin Haack, Dr. Josh Lyons, and Dr. Kyle Koeppen.
Dr. Darin Haack 
Dr. Haack is the current assistant superintendent of Ankeny Community School District, where he has spent much of his professional career. In this role, he successfully led districtwide strategic planning efforts and other major initiatives. He also oversaw more than $100 million in facility upgrades aligned with the district’s instructional priorities.
Dr. Haack began his career at Ankeny in 2003, leading award-winning music programs at Ankeny High School for 10 years. He later served as assistant principal and associate principal at the high school before being named assistant superintendent.
Dr. Josh Lyons
Dr. Lyons currently serves as associate superintendent of the Solon Community School District in Solon, Iowa. During his tenure, the district has expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and work-based learning options for students.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Lyons served as a regional administrator for the Grant Wood Area Education Agency. There, he provided administrative support for three different school districts, including the Solon Community School District. He has also served as an elementary school and intermediate principal throughout his 20-year career.
Dr. Kyle Koeppen
Dr. Koeppen is the superintendent of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, where he leads a district of approximately 1,600 students and 320 staff members. During his tenure, the district has secured more than $2 million in competitive grants and implemented a performance-based evaluation system focused on professional growth.
Previously, Dr. Koeppen served as principal of Prairie Point Middle School and 9th Grade Academy in Cedar Rapids. His work has focused on improving student engagement, addressing chronic absenteeism, and implementing early warning systems and multi-tiered intervention frameworks.
As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct formal interviews with each finalist on Thursday, January 29. The board will then discuss each candidate and reach a final decision after the formal interviews.
The next superintendent will begin leading the Pleasant Valley Community School District effective July 1, 2026, with opportunities to participate in district decision-making prior to the official start date.