Northview Principal Returns 'Home' to Ankeny

Jill Urich is no stranger to the Ankeny School District.

Although this year will mark her first as principal of Northview Middle School, Urich, 43, has called Ankeny her home for four years. Before becoming principal of Waukee Middle School, she was assistant principal at Ankeny High School.

And she couldn’t be more thrilled to be back.

“I really believe in Ankeny Schools,” Urich said. “There are great people here doing great things for these kids.”

Urich, an Ottumwa native, attended University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls before receiving two Master’s degrees from Drake University. She’s currently working on her doctorate degree from Iowa State University.

Urich originally was a guidance counselor and music teacher. She was even a guidance counselor at Northview once upon a time, Urich said.

“I went into teaching because I love to work with kids,” she said. “I went into administration because I love working with the adults who work with kids.”

Urich spent time teaching in other states, including Florida and Georgia, before returning to Iowa. Most recently, she was principal of Waukee Middle School.

Urich lives in Ankeny with her husband, Mike, and daughter Melody. Melody will start kindergarten this year.

Urich said her new role at Northview is a good fit for her because she is passionate about professional development. She hopes to be a “learning leader” at Northview for both students and staff.

“I want to continue to align Northview with district (goals),” she said. “I’m here to support teachers and make sure the school has quality curriculum, instruction and assessment.

She also plans to work with each staff member to further develop his or her skills.

“We are smarter when people work together,” Urich said,

Urich also helped Northview staff develop school belief statements.

“This will give us an established foundation as we move forward,” she said.

One of her favorite parts about her job is seeing the educational partnership between students and teachers.

“My favorite moments are when students are engaged with teachers and when I can see this great learning happening simultaneously in the classroom,” she said.

Ultimately, Urich’s goal is to help staff increase learning for every student at Northview.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re struggling or gifted, every single student deserves to move forward,” she said.