Ankeny Director of Elementary Ed Leaving for Position with School Administrators of Iowa

Dr. Dana Schon, executive director of elementary education of Ankeny Community Schools, has accepted the position of professional learning director with School Administrators of Iowa (SAI).  

Schon has been the executive director of elementary education for Ankeny Schools since July 2008 and will join SAI effective July 1.

“Among many other things, Dr. Schon has been instrumental in developing new elementary curriculum for Ankeny Schools, implementing a culture of Professional Learning Communities, and aligning our elementary schools so that the same, rigorous curriculum is taught across all buildings in the district,” said Ankeny Superintendent of Schools Matthew Wendt. “These were certainly no small tasks, but steps Ankeny Schools needed to take in order to move closer to world-class status. Dana’s work has been admirable and we will miss her in Ankeny.”

Schon said she is most proud of the district's collective effort to improve student learning.

"(It's) evidenced by our commitment to the review and implementation of common curriculums,” Schon said. “Our students are benefiting from a guaranteed and viable curriculum system-wide, thanks to the dedication of the Ankeny staff. Our student achievement data is indicating higher levels of performance.”

Schon said she hopes that ACSD continues to focus on student learning at high levels for all students, and that Ankeny educators will continue to grow as adult learners through active engagement in high-quality professional development.

“I appreciate the relationships I’ve been able to build here,” Schon saod. “Deciding to leave Ankeny has been a difficult decision. I have great respect and admiration for our teachers and their commitment to our students, and I have very much enjoyed and appreciated the people with whom I have had the privilege of working. I am proud to have been part of Ankeny Community Schools.”

Prior to joining Ankeny Schools, Schon was the K-12 school improvement coordinator with Denison Community School District from 2005 through 2008, and a secondary language arts instructor at Denison High School from 1994 through 2005. 

At School Administrators of Iowa, Schon will provide professional programming for SAI membership, supporting efforts to recruit and retain quality administrators in Iowa schools, and advocate for SAI membership and Iowa learners.