West Des Moines School Board Names Principal For Valley High School

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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The Selection Process for the New Valley High School Principal

The West Des Moines school board undertook a rigorous selection process to find the ideal candidate for Valley High School principal. This involved a multi-stage approach designed to identify a leader with the skills and experience necessary to guide the school to continued success. The process, focused on finding the best fit for the West Des Moines schools and the Valley High School community, included:

• A large applicant pool: Over 50 applications were received from highly qualified candidates across the state of Iowa and beyond, showcasing the widespread interest in this prestigious position within the West Des Moines school system.
• Defined qualifications: The school board established clear criteria for evaluating candidates, prioritizing experience in educational leadership, a strong understanding of curriculum development, demonstrated success in fostering a positive school culture, and a commitment to student success within the West Des Moines community. Specific qualifications sought included proven experience in managing budgets, staff, and student discipline within a large high school environment.
• A thorough interview process: The initial application review was followed by several rounds of interviews involving a panel comprising school board members, district administrators, Valley High School teachers, parents, and students. This ensured diverse perspectives were considered throughout the selection process.
• Community input: While formal public forums weren't held, the school board actively sought input from various stakeholders, including teachers and parent organizations, to gauge community preferences and priorities for the new principal.

Meet the New Valley High School Principal: Ms. Sarah Chen

Ms. Sarah Chen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to her new role as principal of Valley High School. Her qualifications and experience make her an exceptional fit for the West Des Moines schools and the Valley High School community.

• Extensive experience: Ms. Chen served as the assistant principal at Dowling Catholic High School for the past seven years, where she oversaw student discipline, curriculum development, and teacher mentoring. Prior to that, she spent five years as a high school English teacher within the Des Moines Public School District.
• Strong educational background: Ms. Chen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Iowa and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University.
• Leadership and community involvement: She's been actively involved in various community organizations in West Des Moines, including the local PTA and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and community engagement.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Valley High School community," said Ms. Chen. "I look forward to collaborating with students, teachers, parents, and the wider West Des Moines community to build upon the school's rich history and create an even brighter future."

Community Reaction and Expectations for Valley High School's Future

The appointment of Ms. Chen has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from the West Des Moines community.

• Parent perspectives: Parents express enthusiasm about Ms. Chen’s experience and her commitment to creating a supportive learning environment. Many are eager to see her leadership in fostering academic excellence and student well-being within the West Des Moines schools.
• Teacher feedback: Teachers at Valley High School are optimistic about working with Ms. Chen, highlighting her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to teacher professional development.
• Student voices: Students are excited about the fresh perspective and energy Ms. Chen brings to the school. They look forward to her involvement in shaping the future of Valley High School.
• School board vision: The West Des Moines School Board believes Ms. Chen’s appointment represents a significant step towards strengthening Valley High School’s academic standing and enhancing its reputation within the West Des Moines community and across Iowa.

The school board envisions a future where Valley High School continues its tradition of academic excellence while embracing innovative teaching strategies and fostering a vibrant and inclusive school culture.

Conclusion

The West Des Moines School Board has appointed Ms. Sarah Chen as the new principal of Valley High School. The selection process was thorough, and the chosen candidate brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. The community anticipates a positive and productive future for Valley High School under this new leadership. Learn more about Ms. Chen and the exciting future of Valley High School by visiting the West Des Moines Community School District website. Stay informed about updates regarding the West Des Moines school system and the new Valley High School principal.