Valley High School Welcomes New Principal: West Des Moines School Board Announcement

Pedro Alvarez

3 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Meet the New Principal of Valley High School

Ms. Sarah Chen brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to her new role as principal of Valley High School. Her dedication to student success and innovative leadership style make her an ideal fit for the West Des Moines community. With over 15 years in education, Ms. Chen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence.

• Years of Experience in Education: 15+ years
• Previous Schools and Positions Held: Assistant Principal at Johnston High School, Curriculum Coordinator at Waukee Northwest High School, and Teacher at Dowling Catholic High School.
• Educational Degrees and Certifications: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, Iowa Principal's License.
• Significant Achievements or Awards: Recognized as the Johnston High School “Teacher of the Year” in 2018, and recipient of the Waukee School District’s “Innovation in Education” award in 2022.

The West Des Moines School Board's Selection Process

The West Des Moines School Board undertook a rigorous and comprehensive search to find the best possible candidate for Valley High School principal. A dedicated search committee, composed of teachers, parents, administrators, and school board members, meticulously reviewed applications.

• Number of Applicants Considered: Over 50 highly qualified candidates applied.
• Key Selection Criteria: Leadership experience, proven ability to improve student achievement, commitment to fostering a positive school culture, and strong communication skills. Community input was gathered through surveys and focus groups to help inform the selection process.
• Community Involvement in the Process: The school board held two public forums to gather community input on the qualities and experience they sought in a new principal.
• Timeline of the Search: The search commenced in early March 2024, with interviews conducted throughout April, leading to Ms. Chen's selection in May.

The New Principal's Vision for Valley High School

Ms. Chen's vision for Valley High School centers on creating a supportive and challenging learning environment where every student can thrive. She plans to implement several key initiatives:

• Specific Academic Goals: Increase graduation rates, improve standardized test scores, and expand access to advanced placement courses.
• Plans for Extracurricular Activities: Invest in and expand extracurricular programs, promoting student involvement and well-rounded development.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a welcoming and inclusive school culture where all students feel valued and respected.
• Strategies for Improving School Climate: Enhance communication between teachers, parents, and students; Implement conflict resolution programs, and promote positive relationships throughout the school community.

Community Response and Excitement

The announcement of Ms. Chen's appointment has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from students, parents, teachers, and the wider West Des Moines community.

• Quotes from parents, teachers, students: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Ms. Chen to Valley High School. Her experience and passion are inspiring!" – Sarah Miller, Valley High School Parent. "Ms. Chen's vision for our school is exactly what we need." – John Davis, Valley High School Teacher.
• Information about welcome events: A meet-and-greet event for Ms. Chen is planned for [Date] at [Time] in the school library.
• Links to relevant social media posts or news articles: [Insert links here]

Conclusion

The West Des Moines School Board's announcement of Ms. Sarah Chen as the new principal of Valley High School marks a significant step forward for the school. Ms. Chen’s impressive background, combined with her clear vision for the future, promises a bright and successful era for Valley High School. Her commitment to student achievement, positive school culture, and community engagement will undoubtedly benefit the entire West Des Moines community. Stay informed about the exciting developments at Valley High School under its new leadership! Learn more about Valley High School's new principal by visiting [website address].