BREAKING: New Hampton/Turkey Valley Schools Hire Next Shared Superintendent

The New Hampton and Turkey Valley school districts have their next shared superintendent.

The School Boards have named Erik Smith to replace outgoing shared Superintendent Jay Jurrens, who will retire at the end of this school year, June 30th. Smith currently serves as the superintendent and high school principal in the AGWSR School District. 

According to a joint NTHV release, under Smith’s leadership, AGWSR has maintained a steady unspent authorized budget while increasing staffing to expand student programming. He established a parent advisory committee to improve communication between the district and families and led the district through a $7 million building project using SAVE funding.

Smith said in a statement, “I am incredibly excited to be selected as the next superintendent of the New Hampton and Turkey Valley School Districts. During my time interviewing with the boards and getting to know the district, I was impressed with the amazing dedication of the teachers and staff, as well as the engagement of parents and families. Both communities have great pride in their school district and it shows in everything that is happening. My family and I are looking forward to our next chapter with New Hampton and Turkey Valley.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from UNI, a certificate of advanced study in superintendency from ISU and has nearly 20 years of experience in various K-12 leadership and instructional roles.

New Hampton Board President Jay Matthews said. “We look forward to working with Erik to continue our tradition of academic excellence for our students.”

Smith will officially begin leading the school districts effective July 1st.