I chose Benton for its small, rural community atmosphere.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Gary Zittergruen, former Superintendent of the Benton Community School District.
Gary served Benton Community with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and the greater community. During his tenure as superintendent, he provided steady leadership and worked collaboratively with the Board of Education, staff, and community members to strengthen the district and ensure opportunities for all students to succeed. His work helped shape Benton Community into the district it is today, and many of the systems, traditions, and values we continue to uphold reflect his vision and care for public education. Gary served as Superintendent at Benton Community for 20 years with a career in education that spanned over 35 years. Gary and Jenny moved to Waverly after his retirement, but could often be found in Bobcat country supporting his son, Jeff Zittergruen and his family. Please keep them in your prayers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary was known for his genuine kindness, thoughtful leadership, and respect for people. He believed in supporting educators, investing in students, and building strong relationships—qualities that left a lasting impact on those who had the opportunity to work with him.
Please join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. We are grateful for his service to Benton Community and will remember his contributions with respect and appreciation. We will communicate arrangements when known. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
January 14 - Full day of school - NO Early Dismissal
January 16 - School will dismiss early @ 1:00 PM
Due to areas of dense fog and slick county road conditions, Benton Community & Central Lutheran will be CLOSED today, Wednesday, January 7th. This is a change from the previous announcement. Stay safe & warm!
Practice: Friday, January 23, at 3:45 in the Benton High School IMC. Dinner will follow and then the Jr. Cheerleaders will preform at half-time of the varsity girls basketball game starting at 6:30.
Clinic: Basketball Jr. Cheer (Grades preK-6)
Cost - $35.00/child & $10 for each additional shirt
(Price includes a t-shirt, bow, dinner with the cheerleaders on Friday, and their admission to the game. Dinner will be pizza from the Crooked Antler. )
Performance: Friday, January 23, at the Benton High School Gym
Please have the google form turned in no later than Jan. 8th, 2026 to guarantee a t-shirt!
Please make checks payable to Benton Community Schools.
There will be no special transportation to the high school. There are buses that travel from Keystone and from Norway to the high school after school. There is not a bus from Atkins to the high school after school, so anyone from Atkins will need to provide their own transportation.
Please contact Bethannie Draman, Brittany Reid or Gabby Foster, cheer coach, if you have any questions!
E-mail: bdraman@benton.k12.ia.us, bried@benton.k12.ia.us, gfoster@benton.k12.ia.us
Phone - (319) 640-5030 or (515) 371-9307
Sign up Google form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej1r2r_SpIiDqwg81poUWI8WCiaWgszLb10NuExDCPe2wovQ/viewform
I chose Benton because of its welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels valued. The students and their families have a positive and meaningful impact on the teaching staff.
I chose Benton because I appreciate the rich traditions and strong sense of community that I grew up with and am looking forward to my own children having those same experiences.
Please note schedule changes:
Wednesday, December 17 - NO Early Dismissal
Friday, December 19 - Early Dismissal at 1:00 PM
December 22 - January 2 - School Closed for Winter Break
Monday, January 5 - School Resumes
Happy Holidays!
