Frederick R. Heid Selected as Polk Schools Superintendent

The Polk County School Board voted to select Frederick R. Heid as the next superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. The school board voted unanimously to choose Heid from among five remaining finalists. Negotiations will now begin with Heid to determine salary and other important terms of his contract. The school board is expected to approve the contract during its meeting on May 11. Heid is currently superintendent of the Community Unit School District in Algonquin, Ill. The selection of Heid is the culmination of an exhaustive search process that began last year. Online surveys and community forums took place for residents, PCPS employees, parents, students and other stakeholders to share what leadership qualifications would be important for the district’s next leader. More than 50 people submitted applications, and a group of volunteers from diverse backgrounds was assembled to serve as a Citizens Screening Committee to narrow down the possible candidates. Five finalists visited Polk County for in-person interviews. They also participated in a virtual Q&A session, as well as meet-and-greet events for community members and PCPS employees. An online form was also set up for the community to submit feedback on the finalists for the school board to consider.

View Frederick Heid’s interview here.