As the 2026-27 school year begins, families across the Greater Des Moines metro area will notice several new faces in school leadership positions. Districts in Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines have announced new principals and administrators who bring years of experience in teaching, student services, curriculum development, and educational leadership.
Many of these appointments involve experienced educators moving into new roles within districts they already know well. Others bring leadership experience from different Iowa school systems. Together, the changes represent an important transition for schools preparing to serve students, teachers, and families throughout the new academic year.
Ankeny Schools Introduce Several Leadership Changes
The Ankeny Community School District enters the school year with multiple administrative changes across elementary, middle, and high schools. Several appointments promote existing district leaders, providing continuity while giving experienced educators new responsibilities.
Read More: Clarke County Board of Education Approves New District Leaders
Tonia Burrell Takes Over at Northwest Elementary
Tonia Burrell is the new principal of Northwest Elementary School. She has worked in the Ankeny district since 2022 and previously served as assistant principal at Parkview Middle School.
Before joining Ankeny, Burrell worked as an assistant principal at the Early Childhood Center in Fort Dodge. Her experience across different educational levels has helped prepare her to oversee an elementary school community.
The district has described Burrell as an approachable and visible leader who contributes to a welcoming school environment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Kate Cisney Moves to Westwood Elementary
Kate Cisney will begin the new school year as principal of Westwood Elementary after previously leading Northwest Elementary.
Cisney has spent approximately 20 years working in the Ankeny Community School District, giving her extensive knowledge of its students, staff, operations, and educational priorities.
Ankeny Superintendent Erick Pruitt highlighted Cisney’s principal experience and familiarity with the district when her appointment was announced. Her established leadership background is expected to help Westwood maintain continuity while moving forward with its academic goals.
Cisney earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and later completed advanced leadership studies at Drake University.
JD Hunter Returns to Ankeny Centennial High School
JD Hunter is taking over as principal of Ankeny Centennial High School, marking a return to a school where he previously served as associate principal.
Hunter joined the Ankeny district in 2014 and has held several positions. His experience includes teaching at Prairie Ridge Middle School and Southview Middle School, working in student services and building support, and serving in administrative roles.
While previously at Centennial, Hunter helped develop student support systems and managed programs involving English-language learners and special education. He later became principal of Northview Middle School, where he spent two years before returning to Centennial.
Hunter holds degrees from Coe College, Morningside College, and Drake University. His background also includes coaching several levels of high school sports.
Logan Maxwell Steps Up at Northview Middle School
Northview Middle School is also welcoming a new principal, although Logan Maxwell is already familiar with the building and its community.
Maxwell previously served as Northview’s associate principal and is moving into the school’s top administrative position. His existing relationships with students, educators, and families could help provide stability during the leadership transition.
His professional background includes instructional leadership, school improvement, and student-focused decision-making. Maxwell earned his bachelor’s degree in history, political science, and education from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from Dordt University.
Ben Muller Leads Ashland Ridge Elementary
Ben Muller became principal of Ashland Ridge Elementary on July 1 after serving as Ankeny’s director of student services. He succeeds Mark Moss, who moved into the district’s chief operating officer role.
Muller brings extensive administrative experience to the position. He has previously served as principal of Southeast Elementary and Prairie Trail Elementary, meaning his latest appointment represents a return to school-level leadership.
His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Loras College, along with graduate and specialist leadership credentials from Drake University.
Waukee Welcomes New Superintendent Andy Crozier
One of the most significant leadership changes in the Des Moines suburbs is taking place in the Waukee Community School District.
Andy Crozier was selected as Waukee’s new superintendent following a school board vote in March. Crozier brings about 15 years of superintendent experience, including a decade leading the Central Lee Community School District.
His career began as an elementary teacher and coach before he moved into administration. He later became an activities director in the Louisa-Muscatine School District and subsequently served as superintendent for Andrew and Easton Valley schools.
Crozier has also participated in statewide educational leadership organizations. His professional involvement has included service with School Administrators of Iowa, while his connection to school athletics includes work with the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Viterbo University, and a doctorate from Western Illinois University.
West Des Moines Schools Welcome New Principals
The West Des Moines Community School District is also beginning the academic year with several leadership changes. The appointments cover elementary, junior high, and freshman high school levels.
Jackson Anderson Takes Leadership at Stilwell Junior High
Jackson Anderson has been selected as principal of Stilwell Junior High School after spending the previous three years as an assistant principal at Hillside Elementary.
His earlier career included teaching middle school special education, coordinating student success programs, and coaching in the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District. Anderson also spent three years as principal of BCLUW High School in Conrad.
His experience at both elementary and secondary levels provides a broad perspective as he takes responsibility for Stilwell Junior High.
Shannon Campbell Moves to Fairmeadows Elementary
Shannon Campbell becomes principal of Fairmeadows Elementary after seven years as an associate principal at Valley High School.
Campbell’s career includes experience as both an elementary and middle school teacher. She has also worked in human resources, giving her professional experience beyond traditional classroom and administrative responsibilities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University.
Tyson Heuton Becomes Western Hills Principal
Western Hills Elementary will be led by Tyson Heuton, who previously served as assistant principal at Westridge Elementary.
Heuton has spent 15 years in the West Des Moines district. Before moving into administration, he taught kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade and served as a curriculum lead.
His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in human resources management from California Coast University, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Drake University.
His combination of classroom, curriculum, and administrative experience gives him a strong foundation for leading Western Hills.
Sue Lawler Leads Crestview School of Inquiry
Sue Lawler’s appointment as principal of Crestview School of Inquiry represents another example of leadership continuity.
Lawler previously spent two and a half years as Crestview’s assistant principal before becoming interim principal in December 2025. Her familiarity with the school’s staff, students, and families should help provide consistency as she moves permanently into the principal position.
She earned both her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in educational leadership from Iowa State University.
Brandon Pierce Moves to Jordan Creek Elementary
Brandon Pierce is taking over as principal of Jordan Creek Elementary after a long career in the West Des Moines Community School District.
Pierce has worked in the district for more than two decades, including 12 years as principal of Fairmeadows Elementary. His move to Jordan Creek also marks a return to familiar territory because he previously served as an assistant principal at Jordan Creek and Westridge elementary schools.
Pierce’s first principal position in the district was at Clive Learning Academy, where he served from 2006 until 2014 before moving to Fairmeadows.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in educational administration from Iowa State University.
Rob Randazzo Joins Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School will welcome Rob Randazzo as its new principal for the 2026-27 school year.
Randazzo comes from Hoover High School in Des Moines, where he has served as associate principal since 2023. His career in education spans approximately 27 years, including 17 years as a teacher and coach at Roosevelt High School and Merrill Middle School.
Randazzo earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and applied mathematics from Grand View University before completing a master’s degree in education at Viterbo University.
Experienced Educators Take on New Responsibilities
A common theme across these leadership changes is experience. Many of the newly appointed principals and administrators have already spent years working within their respective districts. That familiarity can be particularly valuable during leadership transitions because administrators already understand district policies, educational priorities, staff expectations, and community needs.
The appointments also demonstrate different paths into educational leadership. Some administrators began as elementary teachers, while others have backgrounds in special education, athletics, curriculum development, student services, or human resources.
These varied experiences can influence how leaders approach academic achievement, student well-being, teacher support, school culture, and relationships with families.
A New Chapter for Des Moines-Area Schools
The beginning of the 2026-27 school year brings significant leadership changes to suburban Des Moines schools. From elementary buildings to high schools and district offices, experienced educators are taking on new responsibilities in Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines.
For students and parents, the changes mean new leadership styles and priorities in several schools. At the same time, many appointments involve administrators who already have deep connections to their districts and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Des Moines suburban schools have new administrators?
Schools in Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines have announced several new principals and administrators for 2026-27.
Who is the new principal of Northwest Elementary?
Tonia Burrell is the new principal of Northwest Elementary School in the Ankeny Community School District.
Who is leading Ankeny Centennial High School?
JD Hunter is serving as the new principal of Ankeny Centennial High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Who is the new Waukee superintendent?
Andy Crozier has been selected as superintendent of the Waukee Community School District.
Who is the new principal of Fairmeadows Elementary?
Shannon Campbell is the new principal of Fairmeadows Elementary in West Des Moines.
Who is leading Western Hills Elementary?
Tyson Heuton has been appointed principal of Western Hills Elementary after serving as an assistant principal at Westridge Elementary.
Why are these leadership changes important?
New administrators help guide academics, support teachers, strengthen school culture, and improve educational experiences for students and families.
Conclusion
The 2026-27 school year marks a fresh chapter for suburban Des Moines schools as experienced educators step into new leadership positions. Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines districts are welcoming principals and administrators with strong backgrounds in teaching, student support, curriculum development, and school management.
