Update: Ahead of Contract Renewal Vote, Cedar Falls Superintendent Mike Wells Resigns, Then Withdraws Resignation

Updated 10:30 p.m.:

A dramatic turn of events overshadowed Monday's Cedar Falls School Board meeting, as Superintendent Mike Wells announced he was withdrawing a letter of resignation he had tendered earlier in the day.

Wells was hired less than a year ago on a one-year contract that will expire June 30. At Monday's meeting, the board was set to discuss his performance during a closed session.

At the board's March 11 meeting, Wells said the board will vote on whether or not to give him a standard three-year contract.

"I turned in my resignation because I wasn’t certain of the support I had in the district and community," Wells said, speaking after the meeting. "But after tonight I understand that the community fully supports me and that the staff here fully supports me and that the school board fully supports me. I appreciate that vote of confidence and I look forward to a long career here in Cedar Falls."

The discussion of Wells' performance was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting at Board President Deon Senchina's request, before Wells withdrew the resignation letter. After the items related to the discussion were removed, school board member Jim Brown asked Wells why he was resigning.

Wells replied that after receiving feedback and support from school board members, he decided not to resign.

"I love Cedar Falls," he said. "I apologize for the grief I’ve caused you tonight."

Senchina said she was surprised by Wells' letter, sent to staff earlier in the day, announcing his intention to resign. She said she didn't know why he had sent it.

"I have no idea. It just took me by surprise," she said after the meeting. "I really have no comment."

Updated 6:50 p.m.:

Cedar Falls School District Superintendent Mike Wells has withdrawn a letter of resignation.

An email sent to staff earlier had indicated he may resign. However, he said after receiving feedback and support from school board members, he decided not to resign.

"I love Cedar Falls," he said. "I apologize for the grief I’ve caused you tonight."

The board then moved into closed session. It will reconvene in open session later.

Why Wells had considered resigning was not discussed.

A small group of community members attended the meeting, including many who said they were there in support of Wells.

"I'm concerned. We're all just questioning why and concerned about him," said Joni Krejchi, a third grade teacher at North Cedar Elemetary.

Original story:

Cedar Falls School District Superintendent Mike Wells may announce his resignation after less than a year on the job.

School board member Joyce Coil confirmed Monday that Wells indicated in an email sent to staff that he may resign.

"That is correct," Coil said in an email response to Patch. She did not elaborate.

Why Wells would resign was not known. He has been in the position less than a year and replaced former superintendent David Stoakes, who retired at the end of the last school year.

Wells did not immediately answer a phone call seeking comment Monday evening.

The school board meets tonight at 6:45 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Community School District James L. Robinson Administrative Center, 1002 W. First St. Part of the meeting will be in closed session.