Board of Education announces Dr. Thomas Williams of Muscatine, Iowa, as District Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2009.

The Kirkwood Board of Education announces the appointment of Dr. Thomas L. Williams to serve as superintendent of schools for the Kirkwood School District effective July 1, 2009.

Dr. Williams succeeds Dr. David Damerall, who retires June 30, 2009, after serving KSD children and community as an exceptional leader for the past 15 years. Dr. Williams, who currently serves as superintendent of schools for the Muscatine Community School District in Muscatine, Iowa, began his professional career in education in 1977 as a high school social studies teacher. He earned a doctor of philosophy and a master’s degree in educational administration from the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He received his bachelor’s degree in general studies with concentrations in political science, economics, history, geography and secondary education from the University of Iowa, Iowa City in Iowa City. Dr. Williams also holds Iowa Superintendent’s Certification and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Iowa State University.

Dr. Williams has been an active member of the Iowa educational community. He was named Iowa State Superintendent of the Year in 2000-01. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Muscatine Rotary Club Outstanding Vocational Achievement Award, the Outstanding School Administrator Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Director’s Association, membership in the Horace Mann League of United States of America, and the “Service to Iowa High School Athletics” award. His professional and community affiliations include memberships in the American Association of School Administrators, Muscatine Rotary Club, Muscatine Junior Achievement Board of Directors, Muscatine Area Development Board of Directors, Muscatine Community School Foundation District Board of Directors, United Way Board of Directors, Mid-American Association of School Superintendents and the Unity Health System Board of Directors.

The Kirkwood Board of Education’s selection of Dr. Williams resulted from a year-long national search that was coordinated by Ray & Associates. The consulting firm had received 67 completed applications from individuals in 39 states by the position’s closing date of Jan. 13, 2009. The Board of Education reviewed the applications and initially considered 18 candidates for the position. Six applicants were selected as semifinalists and were interviewed by members of the Board of Education.

The school board conducted a site visit at the Muscatine Community School District on Feb. 23 before making its decision to appoint Dr. Williams as the new superintendent of schools. “The Kirkwood Board of Education is pleased that we were able to attract and hire a successful superintendent with 28 years of educational leadership experience,” says Angie Bay, president of the Kirkwood Board of Education. “We are confident that he will maintain and strengthen the tradition of excellence Dr. Damerall established for the district 15 years ago and look forward to welcoming Dr. Williams and his family to the Kirkwood School District community.”