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.
One of the original three finalists for this position has accepted a role with another district and will no longer be a finalist at Pleasant Valley. The three finalists interviewing on January 29 will be Dr. Darin Haack, Dr. Josh Lyons, and Dr. Justin Colbert.
Dr. Colbert is the current principal of Liberty High School in the Iowa City Community School District, where he has 10 years of administrative service as a dean of students and assistant principal. He has fostered a safe and productive learning environment alongside over 200 staff for upwards of 1,300 students.
During his time as principal, Dr. Colbert has helped the school climb from an unranked position to No. 5, according to the U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools in Iowa rankings, between 2020 and 2024. He also improved the building’s overall Advanced Placement exam pass rate and directed a return-to-learn plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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. 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.
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.