West Des Moines School Board Appoints New Valley High School Principal

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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The New Principal: Ms. Sarah Chen

Background and Experience

Ms. Sarah Chen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership to Valley High School. Her extensive background in school administration, curriculum development, and fostering student success makes her an ideal candidate for this prestigious role. Before joining the West Des Moines Community School District, Ms. Chen served as the assistant principal at Dowling Catholic High School for five years, where she spearheaded several successful initiatives.

• Successfully implemented a new mentorship program, resulting in a 15% increase in student engagement and a 10% improvement in GPA among participating students.
• Proven track record of improving student test scores and graduation rates, consistently exceeding district averages during her tenure at Dowling Catholic.
• Experience in managing school budgets and resources effectively, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation.
• Strong background in building relationships with staff, students, and parents, fostering a collaborative and supportive school environment.
• Holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University and a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Iowa.

Vision for Valley High School

Ms. Chen's vision for Valley High School centers on fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that prioritizes student engagement and academic excellence. She plans to build upon the school's strong foundation while implementing innovative strategies to enhance the overall educational experience.

• Focus on fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, promoting respect, understanding, and a sense of belonging for all students.
• Commitment to enhancing academic opportunities for all students, through personalized learning plans, advanced placement courses, and robust support services.
• Plans to expand extracurricular programs and student support services, providing students with a diverse range of opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents.
• Emphasis on collaboration with parents and the wider community, creating a strong partnership to support student success and school improvement.

The Appointment Process

The West Des Moines School Board employed a rigorous candidate selection process to ensure the appointment of the most qualified individual for the position of Valley High School principal. This process involved several key steps:

• Over 50 applications were received and carefully reviewed.
• Candidates were evaluated based on their leadership experience, educational background, and alignment with the district's vision. Key criteria included demonstrated success in improving student outcomes, experience with curriculum development, and effective communication skills.
• Community input was sought through online surveys and focus groups to gauge community priorities and preferences.
• The final candidates participated in a series of interviews with the school board, district administrators, and school staff.
• The official announcement of Ms. Chen's appointment was made at a public school board meeting on October 26th.

Community Reaction and Expectations

The community's response to Ms. Chen's appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. School board members expressed their confidence in her abilities, highlighting her experience and commitment to student success. Parents and students alike expressed excitement for the new leadership and the opportunities it promises.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Chen to Valley High School,” stated School Board President, Mr. John Miller. “Her experience and vision align perfectly with our goals for providing a high-quality education to all our students.”

Several community forums and open houses are planned to allow parents and students to meet Ms. Chen and learn more about her plans for the school.

Conclusion

The appointment of Ms. Sarah Chen as the new Valley High School principal marks a significant milestone for the West Des Moines Community School District. Her impressive background in educational leadership, coupled with her vision for student success, promises an exciting future for Valley High School. The thorough appointment process, incorporating community input, further reinforces the district's commitment to transparency and collaboration. This new leadership is poised to strengthen Valley High School’s position as a leading institution within the West Des Moines community and the state of Iowa.

Learn more about the new West Des Moines Valley High School principal and her plans for the school by visiting the West Des Moines Community School District website or attending upcoming community events. Stay informed about Valley High School's future and the exciting changes to come under Ms. Chen's leadership.