LA PORTE CITY – The Union Community School Board of Education has hired Grundmeyer Leadership Services to oversee the district’s search for a new principal.

During the board’s January monthly meeting, a dozen early retirement applications were approved including that of La Porte City Elementary Principal Todd Parker.

On Feb. 27, the board held a short, special meeting at the high school to approve the quote for $6,500 from Grundmeyer to lead the search for Parker’s replacement. The motion passed 6-0.

The board previously contracted with Grundmeyer for the district’s superintendent searches.

Currently, Grundmeyer is leading principal searches for North Scott High School in Eldridge, West Central Valley High School in Stuart, Perry Elementary and Perry High School, Twin Cedars Elementary in Bussey, and both the elementary and middle/high school buildings in St. Ansgar.

As part of the Union school board’s February monthly meeting, a motion was considered to not rehire Principal Parker’s position and switch to a shared elementary principal/assistant principal team across the district’s two elementary buildings beginning next school year. The motion failed 4-3.

That proposal was just one budget-reducing measure being considered by board members as they work to reduce next fiscal year’s general fund budget by a necessary $245,029.

According to Grundmeyer’s website, the Union principal position has a salary range of $80,000 to $95,000, and the deadline to apply is Sunday, March 24.