March 19, 2024

Miller to fill WEST Academy principal position

Bret Miller will take over as WEST Academy principal and K-12 curriculum director for the 2017-2018 school year, following the Newton Community School District Board’s approval Monday night.

Miller, who was at this week’s school board meeting to introduce himself and meet district staff and board members, is coming from a principal position in the Woodward-Granger Community School District.

The new Newton administrator said he is beyond excited for the opportunity and to get to know the community. There are already foundations in place for students within the NCSD, he said.

Miller grew up on the west side of Des Moines. Early in his education career, he taught elementary PE in Arizona. After that, he taught English and math in Mexico for two years, before returning to Arizona to work at a residential treatment center for two years.

After he met his wife and decided to raise a family, Miller returned to Iowa. Iowa is ranked higher in education than Arizona for a reason, he said, and he wanted to be part of that.

He gained alternative school experience at the Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines, where he served as dean of students for six years. He has had the chance, he said, to practice and learn what works and what doesn’t work in the alternative setting, so he can come to WEST start right away.

“I like having the balance of alternative and traditional school experiences because it means I can relate to the other administrators I’m working with and help them understand what we’re doing, how we can work together,” Miller said.

The incoming WEST principal said he is looking forward to building relationships with kids and creating the foundation that allows them to be successful. There is foundational learning that all kids need, he said, and his job will be to make sure that happens for students in the NCSD from the time they start school until the time they graduate.

“I’m excited to work from the inside, creating opportunities for kids,” Miller said.

The opening at WEST appeared when current principal Mike Moran announced his intentions to leave the district after this school year for a position in Urbandale. A committee, which included fellow Newton principals Todd Schuster, Jolene Comer, Lisa Sharp and other district employees, selected Miller.

Board member Josh Cantu was also on the committee. He said the board is excited to have Miller join the district.

“We had a lot of very qualified candidates, but in the end I think we chose the right person,” Cantu said.

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