Nearly 30 district administrators and access leads gathered for a day of learning hosted by the Culture and Access Department on Sept. 25. Sessions focused on leadership and co-creating a learning community that epitomizes curiosity, collaboration, and courage.

Rod Dooley, director of Human Resources, led a session on “Influential Leadership” that highlighted connections between leadership, credibility, and trust. Attendees also took part in a fireside chat with David Maxwell, director of strategic outreach and systems change. Other sessions for administrators focused on leadership emergence and effectiveness and were led by Dr. Dau Jok, executive director of Culture and Access. Building access leads collaborated in breakout sessions facilitated by community outreach coordinator Gianna Pugliese and communications manager Alexandra Wade, district access leads.

“Professional learning like this is essential for WDMCS because it nurtures both people and purpose,” said Dana Allen, assistant director of Special Education. “It reminds us that we are all a work in progress, and when we invest in understanding ourselves and one another, we strengthen every layer of our schools and move our community forward with greater empathy and intention.”

The Culture and Access Department will hold a second day of staff learning in April 2026. Other Culture and Access events include quarterly community engagement events open to the community and the annual Student Voice Symposium for all Des Moines metro area students.

Want to connect with the Culture and Access Department? Attend this year’s first community engagement event, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the district offices. Or one of the other upcoming community engagement events:

• Dec. 16, 2025
• Feb. 10, 2026
• April 28, 2026