Pam Ewell is currently the Superintendent of Van Buren Community Schools which is also a shared position with the Harmony School District. Dr. Ewell previously served as the Superintendent Mount Vernon Community School District. In prior experiences Pam has been a middle school principal, elementary principal, professor of education for both private and public universities in Iowa. a consultant and she began her education career as an elementary teacher.

Pam describes herself as a servant leader’ who is passionate about meeting the needs of students and patron she series. She is student centered. She is well-versed in curriculum and instruction and leading meaningful change. In the districts where she served as the Superintendent, she was successful in implementing needed curriculum and instructional processes, improving the districts financial situation, implementing new early childhood programs and improving facilities. Pam is extremely active in state wide leadership programs like SAI, School Board Association, 21st Century learning environments, ALICE School safety training, PLC, TLC and financial planning workshops.

John Howard is currently the Middle/High School Principal at Independence Community Schools. He sewed as a secondary principal and curriculum instruction and assessment coordinator in two other districts prior to coming Independence. One of those was a private school, the other a public school system. Mr. Howard started his career as a teacher of Spanish in two districts where he coached a variety of sports.

Mr. Howard believes student achievement is the number one priority of all school districts. He has been described as an excellent communicator who is very down to earth. As a result, he has built strong and meaningful relationships with persons that he meets or works. Curriculum development and student achievement are strengths and clearly areas where he brings a wealth of experience to the schools he series. Mr. Howard takes pride in hiring good quality teachers and talented leaders who work together and collaborate on understanding teaching and learning. His pride is expressed in the improved academic education system for all students. Mr. Howard is very active in state wide leadership programs like SAI, PLC and TLC programs and has spent the last few years becoming trained and certified in school finance.

The public has been invited to meet each candidate and ask them questions at a public forum to be held at the high school auditorium starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 15. Please plan to attend.