West Des Moines School Board Appoints New Valley High School Principal

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Meet the New Valley High School Principal

Ms. Sarah Chen, the newly appointed principal of Valley High School, boasts an impressive resume and a passion for fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Her journey to this leadership role is marked by dedication and a proven track record of success.

• Educational Background: Ms. Chen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa and a Master of Educational Leadership from Drake University. She also possesses a highly sought-after Principal’s License from the Iowa Department of Education.
• Administrative Experience: Before joining Valley High, Ms. Chen served as an assistant principal at Waukee High School for five years, where she played a crucial role in implementing innovative teaching methods and improving student engagement. Prior to that, she spent seven years as a highly successful English teacher at Dowling Catholic High School.
• Awards and Recognition: Ms. Chen is a recipient of the Iowa State Education Association's Excellence in Leadership Award (2022) and was named Waukee High School's Administrator of the Year (2023). Her dedication to educational excellence is evident in her numerous achievements.
• Leadership Style: Ms. Chen describes her leadership style as collaborative and student-centered. She believes in empowering teachers, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment where every student feels valued and challenged.

The Selection Process: How the West Des Moines School Board Made Their Decision

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

• Application and Screening: A large number of applications were received from across the state. The initial screening focused on evaluating candidates' experience, educational background, and alignment with the school's values.
• Interviews: A select group of candidates participated in multiple rounds of interviews with school board members, district administrators, teachers, parents, and students. These interviews allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership skills, vision for the school, and ability to connect with the Valley High community.
• Community Input: The West Des Moines School Board actively sought community input throughout the process. Opportunities for feedback were provided through online surveys, focus groups, and open forums. This ensured that the selection reflected the needs and desires of the school community.
• Final Selection: After careful consideration of all factors, including candidate qualifications, interview performance, and community input, the West Des Moines School Board unanimously selected Ms. Sarah Chen as the new principal.

What the New Principal Brings to Valley High School

Ms. Chen brings a clear and inspiring vision for Valley High School's future, focused on three key pillars: academic excellence, student support, and community engagement.

• Academic Excellence: Ms. Chen plans to expand access to advanced placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities. She also aims to enhance the school's curriculum to better meet the needs of all learners.
• Student Support: A key focus is strengthening support services for students, including counseling, mentoring, and tutoring programs. She envisions creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
• Community Engagement: Ms. Chen believes in the power of strong partnerships between the school and the broader community. She plans to increase opportunities for community involvement, such as volunteer programs and parent workshops.

Community Reaction to the Appointment

The appointment of Ms. Sarah Chen has been met with widespread enthusiasm and optimism throughout the West Des Moines community.

• "We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Chen to Valley High School," stated School Board President, Mr. John Miller. "Her experience, vision, and commitment to student success make her an ideal leader for our school."
• Many teachers expressed confidence in Ms. Chen's ability to build strong relationships with staff and create a positive learning environment.
• Parents are eagerly anticipating the new initiatives Ms. Chen plans to implement, particularly those focused on student support and community engagement. A welcome event is planned for August 20th.

A New Chapter for Valley High School Under New Leadership

The appointment of Ms. Sarah Chen as the new Valley High School principal marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school. Her impressive qualifications, visionary leadership, and commitment to student success promise a bright future for Valley High. The West Des Moines School Board, along with the entire community, looks forward to supporting Ms. Chen as she embarks on this important role. We encourage everyone to learn more about Ms. Chen by visiting the West Des Moines School District website and attending upcoming school events. Join us in welcoming Ms. Chen and embracing this exciting new era for Valley High School under its new leadership.