Education Insider ranks Iowa City admin as one of the nation's 'Top 10 Superintendents'

Matt Degner, superintendent of the Iowa City Community School District, was named one of Education Insider’s “Top 10 School District Superintendents” for 2025. He officially took on the role in January 2021 after serving as interim superintendent during the pandemic. Degner faced numerous challenges, including student safety and retention, while emphasizing community engagement as a key to improving outcomes. He oversees over 14,000 students across four high schools, 20 elementary schools, and three middle schools in Iowa's second-largest district. In his interview, Degner stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and strategic collaboration for success.

He acknowledged the recognition as a reflection of the hard work of teachers and community partners. Degner has a long-standing connection to the district, with children enrolled and a spouse working as a teacher. Recently, U. S. News and World Report ranked Iowa City West High School as the best public high school in Iowa, further highlighting the district's achievements.