Fenster resigns as SWV superintendent, three finalists selected for position

After many years leading the Southwest Valley School District, superintendent Chris Fenster is moving on.
Fenster announced that he will remain superintendent for the remainder of the school year, and his resignation is effective on June 30. Fenster described the experience as an honor, and he’s proud of the progress the district has made.
“During my time here, we have achieved many successes and faced challenges head-on, always striving to improve as a district united in service to our students. The collaboration between the two school districts has truly embodied the spirit of “one,” and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journey,” said Fenster.
Fesnter has spent 29 years in public education and it is his ninth year as a superintendent. During his tenure with Southwest Valley, Fenster said the role of a superintendent has continued to evolve and grow.
“I have been fortunate to grow as a leader thanks to the outstanding school board members who have served during this time. Their support and partnership are something I will always value deeply,” commented Fenster.
Fenster said that he has accepted the opportunity to lead the South Hardin School District as its next superintendent.
“South Hardin is located in north central Iowa and is a larger version of the Southwest Valley School District. I look forward to this new chapter in my career. My boys and I have cherished our time here, and I am committed to finishing the important work we have underway in the remaining months ahead,” stated Fenster.
The Corning and Villisca school boards are currently in the process of hiring the district’s next superintendent.
“I am confident they will find a leader who will continue to build on the strong foundation.
During the week of March 10, the board reviewed all applicants and did screenings, and the finalists for Fenster’s replacement were narrowed down to three candidates. The candidates are:
Joe Erickson, currently superintendent at North Iowa Community School District in Buffalo Center. Erickson has been a superintendent for seven years and has spent 20 years in teaching and leadership positions in K-12 education. In his current position, he developed and implemented a strategic plan to provide curriculum materials, technology, a transportation fleet, and facilities for the district. He also served as elementary principal in Eagle Grove.
Troy Lentell, currently principal of the Clear Creek Elementary School. Lentell has 19 years of experience as a school administrator, including 11 at the Sioux Center Community School District and the Central Community School District. Lentell also served as a classroom teacher and coach, and supports positive behavioral interventions and support framework (PBIS) and a framework of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and the development of curriculum that leads to a system of autonomy throughout his staff.
Bruce Snodgrass is currently the sixth-12th grade principal of West Burlington Jr./Sr. High School, and has served in the position the past 17 years. Snodgrass developed the implementation plan for the Iowa Core Leadership program, served as co-chair of a special education delivery plan committee, and created the Falcons Safe, Organized, A problem solver, and Respectful (SOAR) positive behavioral interventions and support program, and was also the lead administrator for curriculum realignment and vertical articulation and managed the building’s budget.
Interviews with the three candidates took place March 17.