Johnston High School Welcomes Derek Schultz as New Assistant Principal

The Johnston Community School District recently announced a significant addition to the leadership team at Johnston High School. Derek Schultz has been named the new assistant principal, a decision approved by the school board, according to the district. This appointment is poised to bring a wealth of experience and a student-centered philosophy to the nearly 1,800 students enrolled in grades 10 to 12 at Johnston High School.

Schultz is set to begin his role on July 1, succeeding Cole Van Vark. His arrival is a testament to the district's ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and provide comprehensive support for its student body and staff.

A Career Dedicated to Student Success

Derek Schultz brings an extensive background in education, spanning nearly two decades, with a particular focus on special education and student engagement. The Johnston Community School District highlights that Schultz completed 13 years with the Des Moines Public Schools, including four years as an associate principal at East High School. His prior roles there included student engagement coordinator, behavior strategist, and mentor teacher at Weeks Middle School.

Before his tenure in Des Moines, Schultz served as a special education teacher at Roosevelt High School and Brody Middle School. His experience also extends to athletic leadership, having coached boy's golf and served as assistant athletic/activities director at Roosevelt. Earlier in his career, he worked as a special education teacher in the Clarion-Goldfield Community Schools, Collins-Maxwell Community Schools, and at Woodward Academy.

This diverse experience, according to Superintendent Dr. Nikki Roorda, makes Schultz a valuable asset. Dr. Roorda noted that his nearly 20 years of experience in special education, combined with his work in attendance, behavior, student engagement, teacher mentoring, instructional support, parent and community outreach, and athletics and activities, will significantly benefit the Johnston High School team.

Philosophy Focused on Well-being and Academic Achievement

Central to Schultz's approach is a philosophy that prioritizes students. The district shared Schultz's statement: "My philosophy is to create a culture where students come first, which focuses on students’ well-being, safety and academic success." This aligns with the Johnston Community School District's broader mission to engage students and provide supportive learning environments.

He expressed excitement about collaborating with the dedicated team at Johnston High School to further advance the quality of education, promote staff development, and ensure every student has the necessary tools and resources to thrive. For students and parents, this emphasis means a continued focus on holistic development, where academic rigor is complemented by a supportive and safe school climate.

Students looking for additional academic support outside of school hours can find valuable resources through platforms like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor available to every K-12 student. Tools like this can provide personalized assistance, helping students reinforce classroom learning and prepare for exams, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.

Leadership and Community Engagement

In his new capacity, Schultz will work alongside Principal Ryan Woods and Associate Principals Randy Klein and Kyla Burns, forming a robust administrative team at Johnston High School. His responsibilities will include assisting the principal in providing leadership and supervision to promote students' educational development and achievement. He will also contribute to program development and improvement, as well as professional staff development, and will be part of the leadership team overseeing the school in the principal's absence.

Schultz's academic background further strengthens his qualifications, according to the district. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from William Penn University, a master’s degree in special education and teaching from Morningside College, and a Master’s of Education Leadership from Viterbo University.

The Johnston Community School District emphasizes community resources and parent engagement as vital components of student success. Schultz's experience in parent and community outreach will undoubtedly bolster these efforts, fostering stronger connections between the school and the families it serves. This collaborative approach is essential for creating an environment where every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.

A Positive Step Forward for Johnston High School

The appointment of Derek Schultz as assistant principal reflects Johnston High School's dedication to maintaining a high standard of educational leadership and student support. His extensive experience, particularly in special education and student engagement, combined with his student-first philosophy, positions him as a valuable addition to the school's administrative team. The Johnston Community School District looks forward to the positive impact Schultz will have on its students, staff, and the broader community.