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Rock Hill School District chooses new leader

Rock Hill School District has picked an education official from Iowa as its top choice for superintendent.

The Rock Hill Herald reports Deborah Elder, the chief operating officer of the Iowa Department of Education, will begin contract negotiations for the role. She has unanimous support from the board.

Pending successful negotiations, the board plans to approve her contract during its next meeting on May 28.

Elder has served as the second-highest leader in Iowa’s education department since 2024. Before that, she held roles as interim superintendent, chief academic officer, principal and elementary school teacher.

Elder will replace Tommy Schmolze who stepped down at the end of January and retired midyear. Schmolze held the position since 2021.