Human Resources

  • Human Resources oversees one of our district’s greatest resources — our employees. The department strives to provide our students and parents with a talented, knowledgeable, and dedicated workforce by:

    • reaching out locally and nationally to recruit quality and diverse staff members.
    • supporting professional development and training,
    • fostering an engaging and caring work environment.


    The department supports more than 1,600 employees, substitutes, and our retiree recognition program.

  • Human Resources Leadership

    Josie Lewis
    Chief Human Resources Officer
    515-633-5037

    Megan Thole
    Human Resources Director
    515-633-5036

    Who to Contact

    Certified Staff, Negotiations, Investigations
    Josie Lewis
    Chief Human Resources Officer
    515-633-5037

    Classified Staff, Title IX, Evaluations
    Megan Thole
    Human Resources Director
    515-633-5036

    Employment Verification, Salary and Wages and Early Retirement
    Alex Koenen
    Human Resources Specialist
    515-633-5034

    Leaves of Absence (FMLA & non-FMLA), Absence Management (Aesop), Substitute Information
    Jackie Armstrong
    Secretary
    515-633-5031

    Online Staff PD (Vector Solutions & AEA), Coursework Credit/Reimbursement, Background Checks
    Emily Schulz
    Secretary
    515-633-5030

    Worker’s Compensation, Student Teacher Placement and Certified Evaluations (Professional Growth Model)
    Carol Rushing
    Executive Assistant/SAM
    515-633-5033

  • Equal Employment Opportunity

    The West Des Moines Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs or its employment practices.

    Inquiries and grievances may be directed to our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinator, at the Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, MO.
Last Modified on June 14, 2023