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West Burlington, IA – Dave Schmitt has been in public education for more than 20 years. He started as a teacher before moving into administration.
Schmitt served as superintendent for the Winterset and Washington School Districts in Iowa prior to be being named to replace Jim Sleister in West Burlington. Sleister retired after more than 20 years with the district.
Dave Schmitt says he was attracted to the opening in West Burlington for several reasons.
"I think West Burlington offers a nice small-school approach," said Schmitt. "We also liked the entire community and just felt this would be a great opportunity."
Schmitt and his wife, a school teacher, have four children. He says his youngest will be a 7th grader at West Burlington Middle School.
Schmitt says he will focus on improving classroom education during his first year as West Burlington superintendent. His other priorities will be a seven-classroom addition to the high school and getting to know the entire community.
Schmitt says he is working on his doctoral dissertation through Western Illinois University. He says that will not impact his job as he will be working on it at night and over the weekend.
West Burlington is not the only southeast Iowa school district with a new superintendent.
- Jane Evans took over in Burlington on July 1.
- Greg Ray is now in charge of the Mediapolis School District.
- Gary DeLacy was recently hired by the Danville School District.