WDMCS welcomes 14 administrators either new to the district or in new roles for the 2025-26 school year. Learn more about these building and district leaders before the first day of school.

Dana Allen: Assistant Director of Special Education and 504 Plans

Dana served as assistant principal at Clive Learning Academy for the past two years. At Clive, Dana led and oversaw building PBIS, MTSS, Tier 2 Behavior processes, and special education programming. Prior to her time at WDMCS, Dana spent 15 years at Des Moines Public Schools’ Downtown School. She served as assistant principal for six years and was interim principal for part of the 2022-23 school year. A new position at WDMCS for the 2025-26 school year, the assistant director of special education and 504 plans will help ensure optimal learning for the more than 1,200 students receiving special education services in grades PK-12.

Dr. Jeannette Barnes: Early Childhood Special Education and Preschool Program Administrator

Dr. Barnes moves into the role of early childhood special education and preschool program administrator at WDMCS. She spent the last four years as assistant principal at Jordan Creek Elementary. At Jordan Creek, Dr. Barnes managed the special education team, facilitated the professional learning communities, and co-facilitated the building leadership team to align school goals with district initiatives.

Shane Christensen: Principal, Valley High School 

Dr. Christensen served as the principal at Indian Hills Junior High for 19 years and has been with the district for 24 years. His collaborative nature and ability to think systemically has had a direct impact on student outcomes. Over the last six years, Indian Hills saw marked improvement on the Iowa School Performance Profiles. 

Rod Dooley: Director of Human Resources

Rod Dooley began as director of human resources at WDMCS in March 2025. Rod brings a wealth of experience from the private sector and four years of leadership experience in K-12 education at Cedar Rapids. In addition to his role in human resources, Rod will also serve as the district's Title IX Coordinator and the point person for all support staff.

Jamie Ehlert: Assistant Principal and Activities Director, Indian Hills Junior High 

A longtime staff member with more than 20 years at WDMCS, Jamie transitioned to Indian Hills from her post as interim assistant principal and activities director at Stilwell Junior High. Before moving to her interim role in spring 2025, Jamie spent three years serving both Indian Hills and Stilwell Junior High as a teacher leader and instructional coach.

Dr. Lisa Hill: Interim Principal, Valley Southwoods Freshman High School 

Dr. Hill is an experienced administrator and educator with 38 years of experience. She most recently served Des Moines Public Schools as associate principal at Central Campus, Career & Technical Education Center from 2019-2024. Prior to that, Dr. Hill served as an administrator for Ankeny Community Schools from 2008 to 2019.  

Chad Jamison: Assistant Principal, Jordan Creek Elementary 

Chad comes from the Waukee Community School District, where he served as a physical education teacher and elementary curriculum leader. Chad has been praised for his high tenacity and positive energy. He recently excelled in an administrative role when he served as interim assistant principal at both Walnut Hills and Shuler Elementary Schools. 

Jason Lyons: Associate Principal, Valley High School

Jason comes to us from Lincoln High School in Des Moines where he served as a behavior interventionist. In his role, Jason served as the special education department chair and worked with special education PLCs at both the district and building level to develop behavior interventions to support student success. He has also been an integral part of the MTSS system, including PBIS.  

David Maxwell: Director of Strategic Outreach and Systems Change

David has been with WDMCS for 20 years, serving as associate principal, then principal, of Valley High School. During his tenure, he worked to create a more inclusive learning environment, thoughtfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and created the Valley Standard, the belief that Valley sets the standard in the state of Iowa regarding the 4 A’s — academics, arts, activities, and athletics. As the first director of strategic outreach and systems change, he will work with all district students, families, and stakeholders to better connect them with all WDMCS has to offer. 

Chaz Olson: Director of Transportation

Chaz joined the team as director of Transportation in April 2025. Chaz is a seasoned director of operations and transportation with a proven track record of streamlining logistics, boosting operational efficiency, and leading high-performing teams. He previously served as transportation manager for Papa John’s International for more than eight years.

Steven Schappaugh: Executive Director of Secondary Education

Steven comes from Des Moines Public Schools, where he served as principal at Roosevelt High School for the last four years. Steven is a proven leader with a track record of improving student outcomes, growing staff engagement, and developing leaders. Under his leadership, Roosevelt experienced growth on student and staff surveys and employee engagement each of the last four years.

Ashley Schott: Assistant Principal, Clive Learning Academy

Ashley is a seasoned educator with 21 years of experience in Des Moines Public Schools. She most recently spent two years as the intern associate principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary and seven years as an academic interventionist in the district. Ashley has a deep commitment to student learning and creating environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging. 

Zac Sinram: Athletics and Activities Director, Valley High School 

Zac is an exerienced administrator who boasts nearly two decades of experience at WDMCS. He has spent the last 12 years at Indian Hills, where he boosted extracurricular and co-curricular involvement, expanded fundraising for athletics and activities, and improved the coaching staff. Sinram began his career as a social studies and special education teacher at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School. He also has 10-plus years of coaching experience at Valley. 

Cameron Wendt: Principal, Indian Hills Junior High

Cameron joins the team at Indian Hills after spending the last six years at Northview Middle School in Ankeny. Cameron has extensive leadership experience spanning multiple districts, playing a key role in student behavior initiatives, special education, professional development, and instructional leadership.