The eight largest school districts in the state are teaming up with the University of Northern Iowa to try and counter a looming shortage of school administrators. UNI Educational Leadership professor, Dale Jackson, says the university will help the schools speed up the development of new school principals.Jackson says the accelerated program will take about two-and-a-half years compared to the normal three years. Jackson says the schools will choose candidates for the program and encourage them to become administrators. The Iowa Department of Education estimates over 435 administrators will retire statewide by the year 2003. The school districts participating in the program are: Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City and Waterloo.Jackson says those chosen will have to pay their own tuition, but the districts are offering some subsidies for those who complete the course. He says the administrator program teaches management skills and — more importantly — leadership.The program is expected to get started this fall with around 25 students.
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