West Des Moines Community Schools announced new principals at Fairmeadows Elementary and Western Hills Elementary and a new assistant principal at Hillside Elementary, pending Board of Education approval. 

The anticipated start date for the new roles is July 1, 2026. 

• Shannon Campbell, current associate principal at Valley High School, will become the principal at Fairmeadows. 
• Tyson Heuton, current assistant principal at Westridge Elementary, will become the principal at Western Hills. 
• Brittany Murillo, current principal at Emerson Elementary in Indianola, will become the assistant principal at Hillside.

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Shannon Campbell, Fairmeadows Elementary Principal

An associate principal at Valley High School for the past seven years, Campbell brings a variety of experiences into her new role. In addition to her time at Valley, she has spent time as an elementary teacher, a middle school teacher, and a human resources professional. 

“Shannon possesses the exact blend of instructional expertise, organizational mastery, and relational leadership required to successfully lead a building,” said Dr. Shane Christensen, Valley High School principal. “She doesn’t just manage a building; she educates, empowers, and inspires everyone in it.” 

"Shannon possesses the exact blend of instructional expertise, organizational mastery, and relational leadership required to successfully lead a building." — Dr. Shane Christensen, Valley High School Principal

A student-focused educator, Campbell is a proven instructional leader who leans into data-informed decision-making and values collective efficacy of staff. Prior to joining WDMCS, she served as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Waukee Community School District. 

Campbell earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Upper Iowa University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. 

Tyson Heuton, Western Hills Elementary Principal

A 15-year veteran of WDMCS, Heuton has spent the last three years as an assistant principal at Westridge Elementary School. Prior to that, he served as a  curriculum lead, sixth grade teacher, third grade teacher, and kindergarten teacher.

“Tyson consistently demonstrates a student-centered approach to decision-making and serves as a true champion for all students,” Westridge Elementary Principal Jody Kerchal said. “Any school fortunate enough to have Tyson as its principal will benefit from his passion for education, commitment to people, and relentless pursuit of student success.”

“Tyson consistently demonstrates a student-centered approach to decision-making and serves as a true champion for all students." — Jody Kerchal, Westridge Elementary Principal

A proven instructional leader, Heuton is regarded for putting students first, embracing collaboration,  and valuing relationships. 

Heuton earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa. He went on to earn a master’s degree in human resources management from California Coast University and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Drake University. 

Brittany Murillo, Hillside Elementary Assistant Principal

Murillo has served as the principal at Emerson Elementary in the Indianola Community School District for the past two years, where she also leads the district’s English for Speakers of Other Languages Department. She brings a blend of deep elementary education experience and a proven track record as a systems thinker. 

“Brittany displays a profound commitment to being relationship-focused and highly-collaborative, ensuring that students, staff, and families feel valued and heard,” Hillside Elementary Principal Kelley Harrison said. “Her specialized expertise in ESOL will be an invaluable asset to our Hillside school community as we work together to ensure every child thrives.”

"Brittany displays a profound commitment to being relationship-focused and highly-collaborative, ensuring that students, staff, and families feel valued and heard." — Kelley Harrison, Hillside Elementary Principal

Prior to joining the Indianola, Murillo spent time as an assistant elementary principal in Clear Lake, a middle school academic interventionist in Bondurant and an elementary teacher in Southeast Polk. 

Murillo earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa State University and her master's in administration and leadership from Iowa State University.