Ballard superintendent Ottie Maxey retiring, board names three finalists as replacement

Phillip Sitter, Ames Tribune
·1 min read

One of three finalists could become the next superintendent of the Ballard Community School District starting July 1, 2023, including two other current Iowa superintendents and a district administrator from Ankeny.

Superintendent Ottie Maxey is retiring after 28 years in education, including 11 with Ballard. Maxey also shared superintendent duties with the Collins-Maxwell Community District for several years.

He came to Ballard from the Postville Community School District in northeast Iowa, where he had been superintendent for three years.

From left, Dr. Jeff Hawkins, Ames associate superintendent; Dr. Ottie Maxey, Ballard superintendent; and Dr. Christine Trujilo, Gilbert superintendent, speak during a "State of Education" forum at Ames Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 10, 2022 in Ames, Iowa.
From left, Dr. Jeff Hawkins, Ames associate superintendent; Dr. Ottie Maxey, Ballard superintendent; and Dr. Christine Trujilo, Gilbert superintendent, speak during a "State of Education" forum at Ames Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 10, 2022 in Ames, Iowa.

The district last week named three finalists as Maxey's potential successor: Darin Haack, Heather Holm and Danielle Trimble.

Haack is an assistant superintendent and chief operations officer for the Ankeny Community School District, where he supervises human resources, construction and technology. He was previously assistant principal of Ankeny Centennial High School.

Holm is superintendent of the South Hamilton Community School District in Jewell. She previously was the secondary principal of North Butler Jr./Sr. High School in Greene.

Trimble is the superintendent of the Alburnett Community School District. She previously served as shared superintendent of the Odebolt-Arthur and Battle Creek-Ida Grove districts, which have since combined into one.

Ballard's school board is working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search for Maxey's successor.

Interviews with each of the three finalists were to be done on Dec. 12, according to a district news release.

"The board will then discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews," the release says.

Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ballard superintendent Ottie Maxey retiring, board names 3 finalists