April 19, 2024

Moran leaving NCSD for position in Urbandale

By Justin Jagler

WEST Academy Principal Mike Moran signs diplomas in his office. Moran recently announced his resignation from NCSD, which will be effective at the end of this school year. (Submitted photo)

WEST Academy Principal Mike Moran is turning the page and entering a new chapter in his professional life. After this school year wraps up, Moran will head to Metro West Learning Academy in Urbandale.

Moran, who came to the Newton Community School District in 2004 as an English teacher and head boy’s basketball coach at the high school, has been principal at WEST for the last year and a half. During his time at Newton’s alternative school, Moran developed partnerships between WEST and local businesses. He hopes to bring that same philosophy to Urbandale.

The administrator said he has been thrilled about how things have gone at WEST, and he loved his time in Newton. When he arrives at Metro West, he wants to help those students in the same way he helped WEST students — by focusing on future careers and trying to “push that success for them beyond the diploma.”

Moran has held some important roles in Newton and served district students with pride and enthusiasm, said NCSD Superintendent Bob Callaghan.

“I think this is a great opportunity for Mr. Moran,” Callaghan said. “He has experienced some success at WEST and brought in innovation and collaboration between the campus and the business community of Newton.”

Metro West serves students in Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Adel, Dallas Center-Grimes and Saydel. Moran said the Urbandale alternative school is looking to build its program much in the same way WEST has developed over the last couple years.

Moran is excited for the future of WEST, which is on a new trajectory, he said.

“WEST Academy is really a place that has the students’ best interest in mind,” Moran said. “We’re looking to build some great citizens for the Newton community.”

Leaving the people he built such good relationships with will be hard.

“The teachers are fantastic here and so are the students. I will miss that,” he said. “I have an absolutely wonderful group of people that I work with every day.”

Moran thanked the Newton school district. He said the school board has been very supportive and fellow administrators have been wonderful.

“I’ve had some great colleagues throughout all these years, and I’ve really enjoyed my time working in the district,” he said. “I wish them the best in the world.”

NCSD’s search for a new WEST principal should begin later this week, Callaghan said. If all goes according to schedule, the district will recommend a new administrator to the school board on May 22.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com