West Des Moines School Board Names Principal For Valley High School

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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The Newly Appointed Principal

The West Des Moines School Board proudly welcomes Ms. Sarah Miller as the new principal of Valley High School. Ms. Miller brings a wealth of experience and impressive qualifications to this crucial leadership role. Her dedication to academic excellence and student success makes her an ideal fit for the Valley High community.

• Previous roles: Ms. Miller served as the assistant principal at Dowling Catholic High School for five years, where she oversaw student discipline, curriculum development, and teacher evaluations. Prior to that, she was a highly successful science teacher at Waukee High School for eight years.

• Educational Background: Ms. Miller holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University. She also holds several professional certifications, including her Iowa Principal's License.

• Notable Achievements: During her time at Dowling Catholic, Ms. Miller spearheaded a successful initiative to increase student engagement in STEM fields, resulting in a significant rise in participation in science fairs and related extracurricular activities. She also received the "Distinguished Service Award" for her contributions to the school community.

• Relevant Experience: Beyond her administrative experience, Ms. Miller has a proven track record in curriculum development, student support services, and fostering strong relationships with parents and the wider community.

The Selection Process

The West Des Moines School Board undertook a comprehensive and thorough selection process to find the best possible candidate for Valley High School principal. A dedicated selection committee, comprised of school board members, teachers, parents, and community representatives, was formed to oversee the process.

• Number of Applicants: Over 50 highly qualified candidates applied for the position.

• Selection Criteria: The committee used a rigorous set of criteria to evaluate applicants, including leadership experience, demonstrated success in improving student outcomes, communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive school culture. The candidates' vision for Valley High School's future was a key consideration.

• Timeline: The selection process spanned several months, including a thorough review of applications, initial interviews, and site visits. Community input was actively sought throughout the process.

• Community Involvement: The school board held several public forums to gather feedback from the West Des Moines community, ensuring transparency and community involvement in this critical decision.

Community Reaction and Expectations

The appointment of Ms. Miller has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the West Des Moines community. Parents, teachers, and students alike express excitement about her leadership and vision for the school.

• Positive Feedback: Many community members highlighted Ms. Miller's proven track record of success, her approachable demeanor, and her commitment to student well-being.

• Addressing Concerns: While largely positive, some community members expressed concerns about the transition and the challenges of implementing new initiatives. The school board addressed these concerns transparently, emphasizing Ms. Miller's experience in navigating similar situations.

• Community Hopes: The community largely hopes to see continued academic excellence, enhanced student support services, and stronger community partnerships under Ms. Miller's leadership.

• Upcoming Events: A meet-and-greet event with Ms. Miller will be held in the coming weeks to allow the community to welcome her personally.

The Future of Valley High School

Under Ms. Miller’s leadership, Valley High School looks forward to a bright future focused on continued academic excellence and student success.

• Goals for Improvement: Ms. Miller plans to focus on expanding the school's STEM programs, strengthening college and career readiness initiatives, and improving mental health support services for students.

• Curriculum Development: She is committed to reviewing and updating the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant and engaging for all students.

• Student Support: Ms. Miller intends to create a more comprehensive student support system, providing personalized assistance and resources to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Community Partnerships: She aims to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide students with valuable real-world experiences and opportunities.

Conclusion

The appointment of Ms. Sarah Miller as the new principal of Valley High School marks a pivotal moment for the West Des Moines community. The rigorous selection process, the overwhelmingly positive community response, and Ms. Miller's impressive qualifications and experience all point toward a bright future for Valley High. Her leadership, coupled with the school’s existing strengths, will undoubtedly propel Valley High to even greater heights of academic achievement and student success. To learn more about Ms. Miller and the exciting future plans for Valley High School, visit the West Des Moines Community School District website or attend upcoming school events. Stay updated on the exciting developments at Valley High School under its new principal!