Humboldt & Twin Rivers Superintendent Finalists announced

The Boards of Education of the Humboldt and Twin Rivers Community School Districts announced today the three finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

The three finalists will interview on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The formal interview schedule includes multiple sessions with stakeholder groups and a community tour. Feedback from the interview teams will be shared with the school board later the same evening to assist them in selecting the new superintendent. The successful candidate will begin their duties on July 1, 2026.

Ken Hayes
Ken brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, High School Principal and university professor. He holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Northern Iowa and a Specialist Degree with PK–12 Superintendent/AEA Administrator and Director of Special Education endorsements from Drake University.

Ken has led large high schools, most recently guiding a school of approximately 1,150 students and more than 120 staff, where he implemented instructional improvement initiatives, strengthened school culture, managed significant budgets, and prioritized student safety and inclusion.

Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of Instruction and Program Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa, preparing future school leaders and staying closely connected to research and emerging trends in education. Ken lives in the area and substitutes at Humboldt High School.

Ryan Fedders
Ryan Fedders, Principal of Taft Elementary, has led the school to an Exceptional Iowa School Performance Profile rating. He led the implementation of new literacy and math curricula, developed a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and strengthened Professional Learning Communities, resulting in increased student achievement.

Ryan helped create a district-wide reflective process for teacher evaluation. He has served on district-level calendar, handbook, and negotiation committees; compiled and presented financial projections and recommendations to the board; coordinated district operations in the superintendent’s absence, including staffing decisions; and planned and led professional development for substitutes focused on safety procedures. He oversaw building improvements, including a new playground, remodeled classrooms, and a 2024 building addition.

Justin Jeffs
Justin Jeffs currently serves as an Elementary Principal in the Ames Community School District, where he has led a Title I school to Iowa’s highest rating of “Excellence” in 2024, placing it in the top 1% statewide, and oversaw a 40% increase in individual student performance on standardized assessments in one year. He has implemented PBIS, MTSS, and PLC structures, adopted new literacy and math curricula, and reduced suspensions by 70% over two years.

Justin has coordinated school budgets for 15 years, written grants totaling over $750,000, analyzed enrollment trends and funding allocations, and supported a $110 million bond referendum for multiple school expansions and a new high school. He has co-led districtwide strategic planning, mentored administrators, facilitated professional development statewide through SAI, and was a state champion wrestler in high school.