Chris Petersen
Ankeny,IA
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at GMG & Baxter, excelling in fiscal planning and community engagement. Successfully restructured district budgets and led a $12 million bond referendum. Skilled in collaborative problem solving and data-informed decision making, driving academic improvement and stakeholder collaboration across diverse educational settings.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Baxter CSD & Green Mountain Garwin CSD
Baxter, Iowa
03.2024 - Current
- Executive Financial Leadership: Stabilized and restructured two district budgets previously trending negative; implemented transparent financial forecasting through monthly reports and annual five-year projections for boards and stakeholders.
- Capital Projects & Bond Leadership: Led the successful passage of a $12 million bond referendum for GMG Secondary School, overseeing bonding, design, and construction processes.
- Systems Change & Innovation: Directed the planning and implementation of Baxter CSD’s transition to a four-day instructional week, guiding stakeholders through analysis, communication, and execution.
- Strategic Governance & Board Relations: Implemented SMART goals and revised district Strategic Plans to align board governance, administrative leadership, and district mission; strengthened superintendent–board collaboration through weekly updates and targeted workshops.
- Community & Labor Relations: Led district-wide community engagement efforts through open forums and advisory councils; established a Labor Relations Committee to improve collaboration and communication with the GMG Association.
- Academic Improvement Leadership: Chaired the School Improvement Advisory Council, using data-informed dialogue to advance academic goals and continuous improvement.
Senior Education Consultant
SitelogIQ
Des Moines, Iowa
06.2023 - 03.2024
- Advised Iowa superintendents and school boards on facility assessments, long-term planning, and capital improvement strategies.
- Guided districts in maximizing facility funding sources, including SAVE, PPEL, and General Obligation bonds, to ensure fiscally responsible investments.
- Collaborated with Piper Sandler and district leadership to identify funding capacity and align financial planning with district priorities.
- Supported districts through bond referendum processes, including community engagement, surveys, and strategic communication.
PK-12 Principal
Ar-We-Va Community School District
Westside, IA
07.2018 - 06.2023
- Led district-wide implementation of a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, embedding academic and behavioral intervention time into daily schedules.
- Established and facilitated School Improvement and Student Advisory Committees to strengthen stakeholder voice and shared leadership.
- Developed and sustained Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on collaboration, instructional improvement, and student achievement.
- Created and led a Building Leadership Team (BLT) emphasizing social-emotional-behavioral health, school culture and climate, and Future Ready Iowa initiatives.
Activities Director/Secondary Classroom Teacher
Paton-Churdan Community School District
Churdan, Iowa
07.2012 - 06.2018
- Provided leadership in the administration, supervision, and evaluation of comprehensive activities and athletic programs.
- Led continuous improvement efforts aligned with organizational goals, culture, and student engagement.
- Planned and implemented instructional and extracurricular programs aligned with district philosophy and priorities.
- Collaborated with students, staff, families, and community partners to coordinate schedules and promote inclusive participation.
Education
Specialist - Education Administration
Wayne State College
Wayne, NE08.2021
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences Education
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA12.2004
Skills
- Community engagement initiatives
- Collaborative problem solving
- Data-informed decision making
- Effective communication
- Organizational management
- Fiscal planning
Affiliations
- Member, School Administrators of Iowa (SAI)
- Member, Rural School Advocates of Iowa (RSAI)
- Member, Iowa Association of School Boards
- Participant, Iowa Superintendents Finance and Leadership Consortium
Certification
PK-12 Superintendent & AEA Administrator
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Baxter CSD & Green Mountain Garwin CSD
03.2024 - Current
Senior Education Consultant
SitelogIQ
06.2023 - 03.2024
PK-12 Principal
Ar-We-Va Community School District
07.2018 - 06.2023
Activities Director/Secondary Classroom Teacher
Paton-Churdan Community School District
07.2012 - 06.2018
Specialist - Education Administration
Wayne State College
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences Education
Buena Vista University