Thomas Ahart
Des Moines CSD
Education BA in communications from University of Denver
MPA from Drake
K-12 Admin. Certificate from ISU
Ed.S. from Drake
Currently completing doctorate at Drake
Past Work Experience
Taught high school language arts in Glenwood Springs, CO, and Denison, IA; School Improvement Consultant with Heartland AEA 11; Director of Instruction for Marshalltown Community Schools; Director of Human Resources for Ankeny Community Schools; Principal of Harding Middle School, DMSP; Associate Superintendent for Teaching & Learning for DMPS; Interim Superintendent for DMPS
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I am passionate about the students in Des Moines and the outstanding team of educators we have serving them. It is a diverse district in a great city, rich with challenges and therefore rich with opportunities.
What is your vision for your district?
I see DMPS as continuing to improve the ways we serve our ELL students, to continue to expand innovative ways for teachers to access the highest quality professional development, and to continue to encourage teachers to be innovators in how they connect with students to make learning meaningful.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy exercising, reading, music and theater.
Deron Durflinger
Van Meter CSD
EducationAdvanced Studies Certificate, University of Northern Iowa
Master of Science, Buena Vista University
Bachelor of Arts, William Penn College
Past Work Experience
Van Meter Schools, Secondary Principal, 2009-present
Cardinal Community Schools, Principal, Teacher, Coach, 2002-2009
Charter Oak-Ute Community Schools, Teacher, Coach 1997-2002
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I have been the Secondary Principal at Van Meter for the past three years. I love what we have been able to do in our building, and I wanted to increase my circle of influence within the district. Van Meter is a great community, located near Des Moines, with a school district willing to do whatever it takes to see students be successful. I wanted to continue to be a part of the wonderful traditions established in our district, so the progression to the superintendency was natural.
What is your vision for your district?
The vision for Van Meter Community School District is to empower students to be learners who:
- Communicate
- Collaborate
- Create
- Innovate
- Solve Problems
- Think Globally
- Live Ethically
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I have four kids aged 14, 12, 10, and 8, so most of my free time is spent with my wife at our kids' activities. However, I do find some time to golf in the summer, and I am a strong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Pittsburg Steelers, and St. Louis Cardinals, so I enjoy watching each of them when I get a chance.
Brad Jermeland
Ogden CSD
EducationSpecialist in Education, Drake University
Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision, Drake University
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Luther College
Past Work Experience
Associate Superintendent, Indianola Community School District, 2005-2012
Building Principal, Indianola Community School District, 1999-2005
Special Education Zone Coordinator, Heartland AEA, 1995-1999
Building Principal, Carlisle Elementary, 1993-1995
Principal, Manson Northwest Webster Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1992-1993
Teacher and Unit Leader - Grade 5, Hoover Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1991-1992
Special Education Teacher in Behavior Disability Program, Madison Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1987-1991
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Ogden is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and its schools. The school district has a dedicated, visionary and supportive school board. The district has a dedicated and professional staff that is committed to providing quality educational experiences for students. The building principals are all new to their positions, and they are student-centered and dedicated leaders for their buildings.
What is your vision for your district?
Through the interview process two opportunities became evident as focus areas. The first is to develop a long-range plan that will lead to quality programs for student learning and the second would be to develop a plan that would market the school district and attract families to the Ogden Community School District.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. They are a wonderful support system. I also enjoy going to Iowa Hawkeye football games, golfing (though I am bad at it), and supporting students in their co-curricular and extra curricular activities.
Bruce Kimpston
Ankeny CSD
Education Doctor of Education – Drake University (2001)
Master of Science in Education – Drake University (1995)
Master of Science – Drake University (1991)
Bachelor of Arts – Iowa Wesleyan College (1986)
Past Work Experience
2009-Present –Ankeny Community Schools
1995-2009 – Waukee Community Schools
1992-1995 – West Des Moines Community Schools
1990-1992 – Dowling Catholic High School
1986-1990 – Martensdale-St. Mary’s Community Schools
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Prior to moving to the superintendent position, I was the Associate Superintendent of Schools in Ankeny. This allowed me to see all facets of the district and how our schools function as a system. I accepted the position because of the people I have encountered in our buildings during the past three years. They care deeply about our students and work hard to help all students succeed.
What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to develop personalized learning for each child in the Ankeny Community School District. This can only be accomplished if we commit daily to provide differentiated learning experiences in all classrooms, as well as engage our teachers in professional collaboration and development in our professional learning communities.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, gardening, and attending activities in which my children are involved in college.
Ottie Maxey
Ballard CSD
EducationB.A. Coe College, Major Course of Study – Economics, 1989
B.A. University of Northern Iowa, Major Course of Study – Social Science Teaching, 1994
M.S. Drake University, Education Administration, 1999
Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency, UNI, 2011
Doctoral Program, UNI, 2011 – Present
Past Work Experience
Social Studies Teacher/Coach – West Des Moines, 1995 – 2001
Social Studies Teacher/Coach – Cedar Rapids, 2001-2003
Dean of Students/Coach – Cedar Rapids, 2003-2005
Associate Principal – Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 2005-2009
Superintendent – Postville, 2009-2012
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I considered Ballard a great opportunity for a variety of reasons. The Board of Education is very cohesive and supportive, the administrative team is experienced and forward-thinking, staff members are exceedingly dedicated and put students first, students value their education and are respectful of themselves and one another, and the communities of Cambridge, Huxley, Kelley, and Slater are committed to providing students with the resources and facilities for a great educational experience. In addition, the location of the district between Ames and Des Moines provides access to great resources, activities, and events.
What is your vision for your district?
Ballard’s vision is “Empower all learners” and it’s one I wholeheartedly embrace. As students progress through their education, we must provide an experience that enables them to become increasingly responsible for directing their learning. When they graduate our students will be confident they have the ability to succeed in their post-secondary pursuits.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife, Melissa, and I have two sons. Hersch is a seventh grader and Willie is in fourth grade. I enjoy coaching them in athletics, and they love attending school events like most administrators’ kids. When vacationing, we enjoy snowboarding and spending time in the mountains. Around Iowa, we try to find time to go hunting, fishing, and golfing when the kids aren’t involved in activities. Also, I try and read as much as possible, but there never seems to be as much time for that as I’d like.
Susie Meade
Winterset CSD
EducationBA - Secondary Education Family and Consumer Science, University of Iowa
MS - Special Education, Minnesota State at Mankato
PhD - Educational Administration, Iowa State University
Past Work Experience
Secondary FCS - Faribault, Minnesota, 1989-1991
Elementary Behavior Disorders - Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1991-1993
Secondary Special Education - Algona, Iowa, 1993-1995
Elementary Special Education - West Des Moines, Iowa, 1995-1998
Principal - Saydel, Iowa, 1998-2000
Director of Special Education - West Des Moines, Iowa, 2000-2006
Principal - Mesa, Arizona, 2006-2008
Assistant Superintendent - Ankeny, Iowa, 2008-2012
Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Winterset is committed and invested in providing innovative learning opportunities for students. The Board of Education is invested in doing "whatever it takes" to fulfill our vision. The district recently participated in a strategic planning process which produced a mission, vision, values and goals much aligned to the initiatives supported by the state as well as my own philosophy. Additionally, when we moved back to Iowa my husband's position was based in Winterset. He had four years to preview the community, and we knew it was a great match for us.
What is your vision for your district?
To engage the community in developing a learning community whereby every student in Winterset is prepared for their next journey in life whether it be college or career.
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Reading, travelling, spending time with family and friends
No comments:
Post a Comment