Sumner-Fredericksburg School Board Names Ryan Cunningham Next District Superintendent
May 9, 2025
SUMNER, IA — The Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District School Board has named Ryan Cunningham as the next district superintendent, pending board approval.
Cunningham currently serves as middle school principal in the Okoboji Community School District, a position he has held since 2007—interrupted only by a three-year stint as teaching and learning director from 2018 to 2020. In Okoboji CSD, he launched a year-long program to help over 200 middle-grade students discover their passions and strengths through career-focused courses, while also implementing a cutting-edge STEM program designed to enhance student learning through 3D design, coding, and virtual reality.
As an administrator, Cunningham’s leadership approach has focused on collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
“On behalf of the Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce the hiring of our next superintendent, Mr. Ryan Cunningham,” said Board President Michael DeSloover. “After a thorough and thoughtful search process, we are confident that Mr. Cunningham brings the vision, experience, and leadership qualities that will guide our district forward.”
DeSloover says that Cunningham’s passion for education, commitment to student success, and collaborative and innovative approach make him the right fit for the district.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Cunningham to the Cougar family and look forward to working together to continue building on the strong foundation of academic excellence and community partnership that defines Sumner-Fredericksburg,” DeSloover said. “The future is bright for our students, staff, and families.”
Cunningham holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Central College. He began his career in education as a science teacher in Knoxville CSD.
"I am honored and grateful to have accepted the position to serve as the next superintendent of the Sumner-Fredericksburg School District,” said Cunningham. “My wife, Jenni, and I have both been educators throughout our careers, and this opportunity feels like a homecoming for our family, as our oldest two children are already attending the University of Northern Iowa, and we spent our younger years in this area where most of our extended family still resides.”
Board members worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. Cunningham will officially begin leading Sumner-Fredericksburg CSD as superintendent effective July 1, 2025.