News
Join Us in Welcoming New Principals to Northview Middle School and East Elementary!
JD Hunter Appointed as Principal of Northview Middle School in Ankeny
The Ankeny Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of JD Hunter as the new principal of Northview Middle School.
JD is currently serving as Associate Principal at Ankeny Centennial High School, where he has led the development of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) system and manages the ESOL and Special Education programs. Hunter has served in the Ankeny school district since 2014 as a Student Services and Building Support Specialist, as well as teaching at Prairie Ridge Middle School and Southview Middle School.
Hunter holds a Specialist in Educational Leadership degree from Drake University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from Morningside College. JD also earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Coe College and an Associate Degree of Liberal Arts from Kirkwood Community College.
In addition to his educational and leadership roles, Hunter has also served as a coach for varsity, JV, and 8th-grade teams at Ankeny High School, Southview Middle School, and Iowa City Regina High School.
“We are thrilled to announce JD Hunter as the new principal of Northview Middle School,” said Dr. Erick Pruitt, Superintendent of Ankeny Schools. “Mr. Hunter is a collaborative team player, and his commitment to the community is evident. He has proven that he can lead with a focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement.”
Shane Mathis Appointed as New Principal of East Elementary in Ankeny
The Ankeny Community School District has announced Shane Mathis as the incoming principal of East Elementary School, effective July 1, 2024. With an extensive background in education and a passion for fostering positive student relationships, Mathis brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to nurturing the uniqueness of every student and the strengths of each teacher.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shane Mathis as the new principal of East Elementary,” said Dr. Erick Pruitt, Superintendent of Ankeny Schools. “His passion for education, strong leadership skills, and dedication to student success make him an excellent fit for our school community. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, staff, and families.”
Mathis is currently serving as the PK-6th Elementary Principal at Louisville Public Schools in Louisville, NE, a growing school district in the Omaha region, where he is also the Birth-12th grade Special Education Co-Coordinator. In addition to his role as an elementary principal, Mathis taught fifth grade at Hayward Elementary School in Nebraska City, NE, where he was named the Otoe County Teacher of the Year in 2018. Mathis also taught 3rd Grade at Bacon Elementary School in Fort Collins, CO.
Mathis holds a Master’s in Educational Administration PK-8 from Chadron State College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Peru State College. He is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), and Nebraska Association of Special Education Administrators (NASES).
Mathis will assume his role as principal of East Elementary on July 1, 2024.