DES MOINES – Hoover High School has selected a new principal, Des Moines Schools Public Schools announced Friday.
Sherry Poole takes over the leadership role from Kathie Danielson, who is retiring after this school year. Poole currently serves as the School Improvement Leader at East High School.
Poole began her career in law enforcement as a police officer in Boone before making the transition to education nearly two decades ago. Poole has served Des Moines Public Schools in many roles, including teacher, instructional coach, and building leader.
Poole also worked as a curriculum consultant for the George Lucas Educational Foundation, where she designed and re-designed curriculum similar to the International Baccalaureate World School programming at Hoover.
“Sherry Poole’s path into leadership has been paved with doing what is right for all students, continually looking through the lens of equity, working hard, building relationships, and being fully present for the community she serves,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ahart. “She will find herself at home as the new leader of Iowa’s most diverse high school.”
Poole’s post-secondary education began at Des Moines Area Community College, where she earned her Associate of Science degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, with distinction, from Iowa State University. She holds a master’s degree in Education from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and a master’s in Education Administration from Iowa State University.
“I believe that a good leader leads with patience, integrity, and passion,” Poole said. “I hold the conviction it is my obligation as a leader to make all the decisions according to what is right and just for the students, staff, and community I serve.”
Poole begins her role as principal of Hoover High School on July 1.
