Waukee CSD Announces New Hires for 2025-26

A new school opening next year brings exciting leadership changes! With North Middle School set to open in the fall and school building adjustments being finalized, we’re welcoming new leaders and seeing some familiar faces transition into new roles.

“I’m pleased to announce these new hires for the 2025-26 school year,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck says. “These additions reflect the continued growth of our District; our commitment to providing support and meeting the needs of our students and staff; and the reorganization of roles with the upcoming opening of North Middle School. As we plan for the future, it’s essential to have strong leadership throughout our District.”

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New Waukee CSD Leaders

  • Waukee High School Assistant Principal – Kevin Atterberg (Current position: instructional coach at Valley High School)
  • Northwest High School Assistant Principal – Chad Vollmecke (Current position: English teacher and coach at Northwest High School)
  • Prairieview Assistant Principal – Paige Drucker (Current position: math teacher at Timberline School)
  • Timberline Assistant Principal – Mike Danilson (Current position: principal at Gilbert Middle School)
  • Elevate Learning Center Program Administrator – Stephanie Ver Helst (Current position: Director of Special Education at Colfax-Mingo Community School District)

“As we welcome these new leaders to their roles, we are confident that their experience, dedication, and passion for education will have a positive impact. Their experience and skills will be valuable as we navigate the changes and opportunities ahead,” Dr. Buck adds.

Changes for the 2025-26 School Year

With the opening of North Middle School — which will welcome 6th-8th grade students — Trailridge will become the 9th grade school for  Northwest High School. Prairieview will become the 9th grade school for Waukee High School, and Timberline School will be a 6th-8th grade school.

Here are the leadership teams you’ll see in each school for the 2025-26 school year.

North Middle School (6th-8th grade)

  • Adam Shockey, principal
  • Caleb Hales, assistant principal

Trailridge School (9th Grade)

  • Mark Stallman, principal
  • Kevin Towe, assistant

Northwest High School (10th-12th Grade)

  • Nick Ross, principal
  • Gerald Hiesterman, associate principal
  • Chad Vollmecke, assistant principal
  • Christie Pitts, assistant principal

Timberline School (6th-8th Grade)

  • Frank Lee, principal
  • Mekisha Barnes, assistant principal
  • Mike Danilson, assistant principal

Prairieview School (9th Grade)

  • Kevin Schulte, principal
  • Paige Drucker, assistant principal

Waukee High School (10th-12th Grade)

  • Judi Roland, principal
  • Alexandra Lancaster, associate principal
  • Mark Weber, assistant principal
  • Kevin Atterberg, assistant principal

As we prepare for the next school year, we also have job openings for teachers, coaches, instructional strategists, associates, and more listed on our website. Check out the opportunities!