SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – After hours in a closed session, the Sioux City Community School District announced that Superintendent Dr. Juan Córdova has been placed on administrative leave.
The board made the announcement on Monday, Nov. 10, after having a special session to discuss the superintendent, where they went into a closed meeting. That meeting started at 4:30 p.m., and the board came back to a public meeting at about 7 p.m., and announced Dr. Córdova’s paid leave.
According to the board, Dr. Córdova’s paid administrative leave started retroactively on Thursday, Nov. 6. The reason for the leave has not been made public.
“Iowa law (Section 22.7) prohibits us from disclosing personnel information related to this matter; however, the board’s action today is consistent with district policy,” stated a district spokesperson in an email to KTIV.
With Dr. Córdova on leave, district officials say they have a succession in place for anytime the superintendent in unable to perform his duties.
“We do have one in place,” said Board Director, Jan George. “Associate Superintendent Angela Bemus will, basically, she signs off on the paperwork and stuff right now.“
George was asked when parents of students can expect an update on the district’s leadership.
George said he doesn’t have a timeline in place and as soon as they, “finally complete everything,” the district plans to make an announcement.
“The Board of Directors remains committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students. We look forward to continued success in our buildings thanks to the dedication of our staff and the leadership of our administrative team,” stated a district spokesperson.
Monday’s special meeting was announced on Friday, Nov. 7.
The board’s agenda stated they would have a closed session to “evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.”
The only other item on the agenda was an action item where they would take “Action on the Superintendent Leave Status.”
Dr. Juan Córdova as Sioux City’s superintendent
Dr. Córdova’s first day as the district’s superintendent was July 1, 2025. He was chosen as the district’s next superintendent after Dr. Rod Earleywine announced he’d be retiring from the position at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
Dr. Córdova started the school year on leave. It was from Friday, Aug. 22, to Thursday, Aug. 28. The board approved the leave of absence in a closed session on Aug. 22, and district officials could not comment on the reason for it, stating it was a personnel matter.
Dr. Córdova’s absence meant he was not present for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 25.
Associate Superintendent Angela Bemus stepped into the role of greeting students on the first day of school in the superintendent’s absence.
The state’s Board of Education website shows Dr. Córdova received his Iowa administrator license on Aug. 28, the day he came back from his leave of absence. A district spokesperson says Dr. Córdova had a temporary license before his official license was issued.
Dr. Juan Córdova‘s background before coming to Sioux City
Sioux City school officials say Dr. Córdova was the assistant superintendent of instruction for Hazelwood School District in Florissant, Missouri. He oversaw 10 elementary schools and three early childhood centers.
Under his leadership, officials say the Hazelwood School District expanded from three early childhood centers to 29 full-day classrooms across the district.
He also led the district’s professional development, English Language Learners, and federal programs.
Prior to that role, Dr. Córdova served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Grandview C4 School District in Grandview, Missouri and held leadership positions at school districts in North Carolina and Florida.
Dr. Córdova holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He earned a master’s degree in social studies education from Florida International University in Miami, Florida
