The Mount Vernon School Board has announced the three finalists in their search for the district’s next superintendent.
The finalists are Kyle Koeppen, Matthew Leeman, and Dr. Stephanie Mishler.
Interviews for the finalists will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, Wednesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 1.
The Board values staff and community input into the process:
1. All staff, students, and the community can be involved in completing the electronic survey. Please complete the survey and submit questions for the upcoming forums here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XRWSDYC
2. Representative groups of staff and students will meet face-to-face with the candidates and representatives of Ray and Associates Jan. 30, Jan. 31, and Feb. 1. The logistical reality is these three groups will need to be representative as it is not practical or manageable to involve everyone.
3. A community forum will be held with each candidate and all within the community are encouraged to attend. Each forum will be held in the Performing Arts Center Auditorium from 5:30 — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, Wednesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 1. Questions must be submitted ahead of time using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XRWSDYC There will be an opportunity to submit questions at the forum and our consultants will get to those if time allows.
In the spirit of openness and transparency, groups will not be asked to rate candidates but rather what you see as strengths and weaknesses; ultimately it is the responsibility of the school board to select the next superintendent.
Kyle Koeppen
Koeppen is the current superintendent of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community school District.
He is also currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in educational policy and leadership at the University of Iowa, with an expected graduation in spring 2025.
He has completed an educational specialist degree in Education Leadership and superintendent endorsement from the University of Iowa, a master of arts degree in educational administration from the University of South Dakota and a bachelor of science degree from Cornell College.
He has Iowa PreK-12 Professional Administrator License and certifications as a PK-12 principal, PK-12 special education supervisor, evaluator, superintendent, and AEA administrator in the state of Iowa.
“I have led a district with a certified enrollment of 1,617 students,” Koeppen wrote. “Under my leadership, the district has achieved significant milestones, including being awarded over $2 million in grants and awards and recognition for academic achievement. Prior to my role as Superintendent, I served as the principal at College Community School District and held leadership positions, including associate principal/activities director and elementary principal/technology director. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to fostering student success through initiatives such as personalized and blended learning.”
He has previously served as principal at College Community School District (among other leadership positions, including associate principal/activities director and elementary principal/technology director).
“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of Mount Vernon Community School District.” Koeppen wrote. “My commitment to educational excellence, strategic planning, and community engagement aligns seamlessly with the district’s values. I look forward to the possibility of working collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and community members to ensure a thriving and dynamic learning environment for all.”
Matthew Leeman
Leeman is currently in his 20th year of education, serving as the associate superintendent and sixth through 12th grad curriculum director at Clear Creek Amana schools. He has previously been an administrator at all grade levels, and his career started as a kindergarten, first and fourth grade teacher.
“My current responsibilities involve day-to-day operations, supervision of administrators and directors across seven campuses, oversight of curricular materials, and active involvement in hiring staff and district-wide budget development,” Leeman wrote. “Most recently, I helped with the passage of a $65 million general obligation bond, reconsideration of District boundaries and the planning for a new elementary building and other upcoming facility needs”
His wife, Lori, is also an educator and they’ve been married for almost eight years. They reside in Tiffin, with their two young children, Myles and Zander, and their goldendoodle Ozzy.
“I am enthusiastic about the potential to lead Mount Vernon CSD, drawn to its strong reputation in academics, the arts, and athletics and the community itself,” Leeman wrote. “The extensive opportunities the school district and community provide align with my aspirations, and the prospect of raising my family there is genuinely exciting.”
Dr. Stephanie Mishler
Mishler is currently serving as interim superintendent at Fairfield Community Schools. She began teaching at Ottumwa community schools as a teacher and coach. She holds a master’s in administration from Iowa State University and a Doctorate of education from Drake University.
Dr. Mishler’s leadership spans transformative initiatives, including utilizing instructional frameworks to improve evaluation systems, financial stability measures, strategic facilities planning, and community visioning, exemplified by her role in developing the “Portrait of a Trojan.”
A standout achievement in her leadership journey is cultivating a culture of CARE — an ethos rooted in connection, acknowledgement, retention, and empowerment for students and staff. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment to unlock the full potential of every individual in the educational community.
She and her husband, Matt, and their four daughters, eagerly anticipates embracing Mount Vernon’s warmth and vitality, where community, education, and excellence converge.

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Matthew Leeman