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About

We understand a student’s education is an important part of their life journey, and we are committed to their success. At West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS), students will gain knowledge and develop skills to prepare them for life. The excellent opportunities we offer enable students to explore their interests and achieve their potential because we believe every student can find their place in the WDMCS.

WDMCS Information

ADDRESS: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
PHONE: 515-633-5000 

SUPERINTENDENCY
SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Matt Adams
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING: Michelle Lettington
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER: Dr. Nora E. Ryan
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Kurt Subra
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Bryan Geelan

Administration Office Hours

Learning Resource Center (LRC)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Quick Facts

Portrait of a Graduate

A West Des Moines Community Schools graduate will possess the essential skills and integrity to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems as a confident citizen, embracing our diverse and changing world.

  • Communicator: Conveys ideas and information respectfully, purposefully, and effectively through multiple means.
  • Collaborator: Interacts to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams to accomplish a common goal or task.
  • Critical Thinker: Accesses and analyzes key information to develop, create, or innovate solutions to complex challenges.
  • Global Contributor: Applies work to real world situations to serve an authentic purpose. Learns from and works collaboratively with individuals representing diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue.
  • Innovator: Explores and experiments in a climate of change; builds resilience through risk-taking and setbacks.
  • Continuous Learner: Thoughtfully considers feedback and works toward accomplishing goals.

History

Our school district started in 1893 as the Valley Junction Independent School District. In 1938, it became the West Des Moines Community School District. 

Superintendents

  • 1905—C.W. Lyons
  • 1905-07—W.O. Reed
  • 1908-13—E.J. Pollock
  • 1913-16—George S. Wooten
  • 1916-19—J.S. Hofer
  • 1919-21—S.L. Miller
  • 1921-25—C.B. Hightower
  • 1925—C.I. Bixler
  • 1926-33—W.H. Myers
  • 1933-42—H.W. Fearing
  • 1942-63—Amos C. Lee
  • 1963-75—Dr. Charles C. Joss
  • 1967—Claude R. Snell (was acting superintendent)
  • 1975-95—Dr. Dale L. Grabinski
  • 1995-2004—Dr. Les Omatani
  • 2004-11—Dr. Tom Narak
  • 2011-13—Dr. Peter Ansingh
  • 2013-2022—Dr. Lisa Remy
  • 2022-Present—Dr. Matt Adams