The Fort Dodge Community School District Board of Education announced the finalists for the position of superintendent on Friday.

The board met on Thursday with the search consultants from Grundmeyer Leader Services to screen five semi-finalists for the position.

During the screening process the board asked each semi-finalist nine questions in 30 minutes.

The three finalists have been invited for formal interviews in the district on Wednesday.

The formal interview day includes a meeting with out-going Superintendent Jesse Ulrich, two formal interviews with diverse stakeholder teams, a district and community tour and interview with the school board.

The board hopes to name a new superintendent soon after the formal interviews. The new district leader will officially begin their duties on July 1.

The finalists for the position are:

Derrick Joel: Joel currently serves as superintendent for the Raymond Central School District in Raymond, Nebraska. He has held that post since 2017.

In his role, he received of $5 million in grant funds for the district, led a strategic planning process with the board, designed long-term facilities, safety and technology plans and implemented 1-1 technology K-12 for students.

Joel also developed and modeled a 360 superintendent evaluation system which was the first in Nebraska. His prior experience includes serving as the North Polk High School principal (2015-16), Ankeny High School assistant principal (2012-15), Ankeny teacher (2009-12) and teacher/coach for Tri-County Schools in DeWitt, Nebraska (2007-09). Joel is active in the community as a youth coach, education foundation member and TeamMates mentoring committee member. Nationally, Joel is part of the Urban Superintendents Association of America (USAA), Nebraska Council of School Administrators and Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association. He earned his Doctorate Degree from Drake University in Des Moines in 2017 with his dissertation focusing on job satisfaction of district superintendents in Iowa.

Tara Paul: Paul currently serves as superintendent for Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District in Estherville (since 2011). As the district leader, she has instituted a curriculum review cycle, led implementation for PLC’s, expanded mental health supports for students and hired and coached multiple administrators. She has also led multiple building renovations including a major remodel to the elementary building and taken the lead on the districts Return to Learn planning. Paul is very involved in her community, routinely collaborating with the ministerial association, Rotary Club, Kiwanis and law enforcement officials, among others.

Her previous experience includes serving the Columbus Community School District as a curriculum director/ESL coordinator/equity coordinator (2007-11) and at Wilton Community Schools she was a teacher/coach (2000-07). She has also been a member of the Estherville Chamber of Director Board and is a member of the Rural School Advocates of Iowa.

Travis Fleshner: Fleshner currently serves as the Union Community School District in LaPorte City (since 2016). He previously served the district as the high school principal (2005-16).

Some career highlights include passing a voter approved PPEL, overseeing multiple facility improvements, receiving grants and implementing mental health counseling to support students.

Fleshner also serves on the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Board of Directors. His prior education experiences also include serving as the 6-12 Principal for the Tri-County School District (2004-05), 6-12 physical education teacher (1999-04) and K-5 physical education teacher for Turkey Valley Schools. He coaches multiple sports and was named Northeast Iowa Football Coach of the year in 1996. Fleshner was a finalist for the IAHSAA 1A Coach of the Year in 1999. He is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1988-2009.