WDMCS welcomes 16 administrators new to the district or in new roles for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about these building and district leaders before the first day of school.

Jackson Anderson: Principal, Stilwell Junior High

As assistant principal at Hillside for the past three years, Jackson displayed a deep understanding for meeting the needs of all learners. His collaborative leadership style engages students, families, and staff. He brings previous experience as a secondary principal, and has familiarity with students and families in the Stilwell feeder system.

Shannon Campbell: Principal, Fairmeadows Elementary

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

Rod Dooley: Chief Human Resources Officer

Rod provided strategic and relationship-focused leadership as interim Chief HR Officer, following 1.5 years as Human Resources director. In both roles, he oversaw all aspects of human resources in alignment with the district’s strategic plan. Rod brings more than 25 years of human resources experience from the private sector to the role, as well as K-12 experience as an administrator, principal, and teacher.

Hunter Flesch: Assistant Principal, Crossroads Park Elementary

Hunter served as associate principal at Saydel’s Cornell Elementary School since 2023, guiding school improvement, supporting staff growth, and ensuring strong outcomes for students. He began his career in education in Saydel seven years ago as a seventh grade science teacher at Woodside Middle School and has served as a teacher mentor.

Tyson Heuton: Principal, Western Hills Elementary

A 15-year veteran of WDMCS, Tyson 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. 

Haley Hockensmith: Assistant Principal, Valley High School

Haley has extensive secondary experience with WDMCS, serving eight years as associate principal at Valley Southwoods. During that time, she supported effective grading practices and professional learning communities. Her familiarity with the system and relationships with students and staff will be a welcome addition to the Valley team.

Davena Johnson: Interim Assistant Principal, Valley Southwoods Freshman High School

Davena brings 20 years of experience into the associate principal role at Valley Southwoods, serving the last six at Ankeny High School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated student-centered leadership and a commitment to culture and belonging. She also has experience as an instructional leader at both Brody Middle School in Des Moines and Franklin Middle School in Cedar Rapids.

Dr. Stephanie Laird: Multilingual Program Director

Stephanie most recently served as a learning supports coordinator for the Southeast Polk School District, a position she held for five years. She brings to WDMCS 17 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, Title I math and reading teacher, instructional coach, and science teacher. 

Sue Lawler: Principal, Crestview School of Inquiry

Sue served as interim principal of Crestview after 2.5 years as assistant principal. She provided steady, positive leadership as interim principal, remaining student-centered and collaborative during a time of transition. Her ability to build relationships with family and staff has directly impacted student success and Crestview’s culture.

Brittany Murillo: Assistant Principal, Hillside Elementary

Brittany served as the principal at Indianola’s Emerson Elementary for the past two years, also leading 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.  

Brandon Pierce: Principal, Jordan Creek Elementary

A 21-year veteran of WDMCS, Pierce has been the principal at Fairmeadows for the past 12 years. The most experienced elementary principal in the district, Pierce is a proven leader with ties to Jordan Creek. Pierce began his WDMCS career as the assistant principal at Jordan Creek and Westridge Elementaries. In 2006, he moved into his first principal role at Clive Learning Academy. He held that role until 2014 before transitioning to Fairmeadows.

Jenna Pressley: Human Resources Director

The principal at Western Hills Elementary for the past five years, Pressley has been in education for 15 years. Prior to joining WDMCS, Pressley spent eight years at the Ankeny Community School District. There, she served as a school administration manager, district behavior coach, and high school special education teacher. 

Rob Randazzo: Principal, Valley Southwoods Freshman High School

Associate principal at Hoover High School in Des Moines since 2023, Rob’s career spans 27 years in middle and high school education. He spent 17 years as a teacher and coach at Des Moines Public Schools’ Roosevelt High School and Merrill Middle School.

Dan Stoa: Assistant Principal, Crestview School of Inquiry

A 16-year veteran of WDMCS, Dan served as interim assistant principal at Crestview since December 2025. He started his career at Valley High School in 2010 as a world languages teacher. In 2023, he transitioned to become a family engagement and learning supports coordinator. In that role, he served families in six buildings and helped develop and implement family service policies and procedures.

Lindsay Thilges: Assistant Principal, Fairmeadows Elementary

Lindsay is a thoughtful, student-centered teacher who has served Waukee Community Schools since 2015. She has served on the building leadership team, co-created an MTSS framework to improve attendance, and collaborated to increase student reading scores and ensure growth toward students’ IEP goals. Lindsay previously taught first, third, and fourth grades in Ankeny and Waukee.  

Michelle Knox: Assistant Principal, Westridge Elementary

Michelle was a building improvement leader at Southeast Polk’s Willowbrook Elementary for two years. Her background is as a music teacher, serving as the head vocal music teacher for grades K-5 at Willowbrook before moving into her current role. Prior to her time at Southeast Polk, she taught elementary music in Des Moines Public Schools, Winterset, and De Soto. She also served two years as the Iowa Youth Chorus Children’s Choir Director.