Van Meter Superintendent Named 2027 Iowa Superintendent of the Year

School Administrators of Iowa has named Deron Durflinger, superintendent of the Van Meter Community School District, the 2027 Iowa Superintendent of the Year.

“This is such a well-deserved honor! Deron has worked tirelessly to lead innovative initiatives to the benefit of the students and staff in Van Meter. He is also very much respected by his peers and his voice is an important one in his local community and statewide as it relates to educational improvement and outcomes,” said SAI Executive Director Dr. Brad Buck.

The award recognizes outstanding school leadership, commitment to student achievement, and contributions to the educational community. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to cultivate positive school cultures, implement innovative curriculum models, foster community partnerships, and engage in statewide leadership.

"Deron has a strong forward-thinking vision for personalizing education. By fostering strong collaborative relationships and championing innovation, he has successfully transformed this vision into reality,” shared SAI’s Selection Committee Chair Dr. Cindy Yelick. “He generously shares what he has learned about developing infrastructure and quality education experiences with the greater K-12 community to the benefit of leaders, and ultimately the success of students beyond his district across Iowa.”

Durflinger has served as superintendent of Van Meter Community Schools since 2012, after previously serving as the district’s secondary principal from 2009 to 2017. During his tenure, he has led several district initiatives, including:

• Academic innovation: Championed personalized, competency-based learning, leading to top performance marks on the Iowa Department of Education's School Performance Profile.   
• Teacher support: Introduced advanced professional learning models and a value-added Teacher Leadership and Compensation structure.   
• Community investment: Guided successful bond referendums totaling nearly $26 million, including an $18 million bond in 2023 passed with 87% voter approval.   
• Statewide leadership: Served as president of the SAI Executive Committee and sits on the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control. 

"I am grateful and honored by this recognition from SAI, but the real credit goes to our incredible students, staff, and community. We show up every day with one shared goal—personalizing learning for each student's success today, and tomorrow," Durflinger said.

Durflinger earned an Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and Buena Vista University, respectively, following a bachelor’s degree from William Penn University. He began his career in public education as a social studies teacher and principal in the Cardinal and Charter Oak-Ute school districts.

As Iowa Superintendent of the Year, Durflinger will be honored at SAI’s Conference next August.