Superintendent Jermeland retiring

After five years at PCM, superintendent Brad Jermeland has decided to retire from education. Jermeland will finish out the 2019-2020 school year before leaving the position.

“Personally, I felt it was time to retire,” Jermeland said. “I have been an educator for 33 years. I have had a great career and have enjoyed my time with the PCM Community School District. It is my hope to be able to spend more time with my family.”

During his time at PCM, Jermeland oversaw major facility improvements including “the link” between the Prairie City Elementary and middle school, renovation of the auditorium at the middle school, new HVAC system at Monroe Elementary and expansion and renovation at the high school including the new football stadium. He was also instrumental in the start of professional learning communities throughout the district.

“The professional development time on Monday mornings has provided time for teacher collaboration to identify power standards, write common formative assessments and review student learning,” Jermeland said. “The school board was supportive during the past five years.”

Pinpointing highlights of a career after so much time can be difficult, but Jermeland said it is the people he will remember the most.

“The best memories are the connections you make with others, whether it is staff members, students, parents and community members,” Jermeland said. “I enjoyed getting out and going to Kane’s for coffee and breakfast and the Prairie City Historical Center for coffee. I also enjoyed serving on the PCM Education Foundation. I enjoyed watching the students participate in their activities from plays, musicals, band, chorus and athletics. Winning the 2A State Football Championship was exciting for the district and communities.”

Not one to take credit for any accomplishment himself, he looks to the entire district when talking about the progress made during his time at PCM.

“All of the accomplishments took a team effort,” Jermeland said. “The time has gone by quickly.”

During the special school board meeting May 11, the board selected Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search for the next superintendent.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com