Aug. 18, 2022 | Since July, WDMCS has welcomed two additional administrators for the 2022-23 school year. Learn more about these building and district leaders ahead of the first day of school:
Dau Jok is New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Director
Dau Jok, Ph.D., comes to WDMCS from Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) where he has served as a social and emotional learning coordinator since 2020. Prior to his time with DMPS, Jok worked with the State Public Policy Group as an Out of School Time (OST) enrichment coach, working with more than 800 students each day to support their academic success. Jok also founded the Dut Jok Youth Foundation in 2011.
Jok graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s of arts in philosophy. He received his master’s of science degree in Global Leadership in 2016 from Goldsmiths, University of London. Most recently, he completed his doctorate in education in 2021 from Drake University. Jok is also a captain in the United States Army Reserve.
Chris Novak is New Valley High School Associate Principal
Chris Novak returns to WDMCS after serving as an associate principal with the Ankeny Community School District starting in 2019. He was previously an instructional coach at Valley High School from 2017-19, a Stilwell Junior High science teacher from 2013-17, and a special education teacher at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School from 2008-13. He also served as a coach for various WDMCS teams from 2008-19.
Novak earned his bachelor’s degree in Teaching from Simpson College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Morningside College, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University.
From July 1: In addition to Superintendent Dr. Matt Adams, West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) welcomes four new administrators for the 2022-23 school year. Learn more about these building and district leaders ahead of the first day of school:
Mindy Euken is New Valley Southwoods Freshman High School Principal
Mindy Euken previously served as associate principal of Lincoln High School with the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). She spent 17 years within the DMPS system as a Spanish teacher, instructional coach, world language curriculum coordinator, and associate principal. She is fluent in Spanish, which aided both her work and interactions with bilingual students and families.
Euken earned her bachelor of science degree, master of science in education, education specialist in literacy education, and administration certificate from Drake University. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Drake, teaching courses on cultural proficiency.
Kelley Harrison is New Hillside Elementary Principal
Kelley Harrison comes to WDMCS from Timber Ridge Elementary in Johnston Community School District (JCSD) where she served as principal for the past six years. She previously held two other elementary principal positions — one in Urbandale and another in Pleasantville. Prior to that, she served as a curriculum coordinator for Ankeny Community Schools and had 10 years of experience as an elementary teacher and instructional coach with Waukee Community Schools.
Harrison earned her bachelor of arts degree in early childhood/elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa, followed by a PK-12 principal and evaluator license from Viterbo University.
Mitch Kuhnert is New Stilwell Junior High Principal
Mitch Kuhnert is a familiar face in WDMCS and at Stilwell Junior High. He first joined the district in 2006, beginning his administrator career as Stilwell’s assistant principal, then serving as Valley Southwoods principal for 10 years. He came to WDMCS after six years as a high school math teacher and varsity girls’ basketball coach at Platteville High School.
Kuhnert earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and education as a well as a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Brett Zeller is New Business Services Director
Brett Zeller came to WDMCS in January 2022 after serving as a director of Business Services for Waukee Community Schools. Prior to that, he served as the internal auditor for Des Moines Public Schools and senior II auditor for the State Auditor’s Office.
Zeller earned his bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from the Iowa State University, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and School Business Official.
