Superintendent Bisgard to Retire

The Linn-Mar Board of Directors met in a special session on December 19, 2022, to accept the resignation of superintendent Shannon Bisgard. Mr. Bisgard is retiring after twenty years of service to the Linn-Mar community, the past five years as superintendent. He will remain as superintendent through June 30, 2023.

“The staff and community have become a second family to me. This was an excruciating decision for me. Ultimately, my decision came down to the fact that I believe this is the right time for me personally and for Linn-Mar as a school district. There are so many amazing people across the district doing fantastic things to help educate and support our students. This was the case when I started at Linn-Mar 20 years ago, and it will be the case after I leave. These special people are what makes this decision so difficult for me personally, but it also gives me a sense of relief knowing that the future is incredibly bright for Linn-Mar.” – Shannon Bisgard, Linn-Mar Superintendent.

The Linn-Mar School Board will utilize an outside company to assist in the search for the next superintendent. The board is hopeful that a firm will be identified in January.

“Change is never easy. This change is harder because we know what we have in Shannon, a true leader that puts this district and what’s best at the forefront of every decision. That is also why this creates a great opportunity for our future. Shannon will be a vital part of this transition, helping in the search for his successor and providing onboarding to ensure a smooth transition into the 2023-24 year. I look forward to working together as a district to identify our next superintendent.” Brittania Morey, Linn-Mar School Board President.

Mr. Bisgard began his career at Linn-Mar as a building principal at Bowman Woods elementary in 2003. He was later chosen to help plan and design Linn Grove Elementary where he became the building’s first principal in 2007. In 2013 he accepted a role as Regional Administrator at Grant Wood Area Education Agency. He returned to Linn-Mar in 2015 to become Associate Superintendent and was named Superintendent in 2018.

In a letter to staff, Board President Morey stated, “Shannon Bisgard has dedicated 20 years to the success of Linn-Mar and in the last five years he has provided the steadfast leadership we needed through some of the most difficult times. We wish him the best in his retirement and the adventures that follow, knowing he will always be a part of the Linn-Mar family.”