March 29, 2024

New Colfax-Mingo 7-12 principal selected

Waukee native Alexandra Lancaster excited to start at C-M

Waukee native Alexandra Lancaster has been selected to serve as the new 7-12 grade Colfax-Mingo principal. Lancaster will take over for current principal Todd Jones, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“One aspect that solidified my decision about joining this district was the consistent comments about the excellent staff and teachers and their dedication to student success,” Lancaster said. “This speaks to the positive culture I was seeking.”

With a passion for education and ensuring the success of every student, Lancaster comes to Colfax-Mingo as an experienced secondary educator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University and masters degrees in the science of teaching and educational leadership from Drake University.

She has previously taught at Southeast Polk and Johnston school districts and currently is a lead teacher and seventh grade social studies instructor at Summit Middle School in Johnston. She was one of three “highly-qualified” candidates interviewed by a 48 member Tigerhawk family committee and received comments including: “She was able to give the ‘how’ not just state desires. She was clear, concise and passionate. Committed to long-term growth,” “Positive, enthusiastic and decisive,” “Valuable equity and inclusion perspectives,” “Definitely a ‘wow’ factor,” “I love her vision,” “Enthusiastic and wants to be immersed in the district” and “So many inspiring and great ideas.”

Superintendent Erik Anderson said from a pool of very distinguished candidates, she rose to the top. He is honored to welcome Lancaster to the Colfax-Mingo school community.

“Mrs. Lancaster’s commitment to students, skillset and desire to be a part of the Colfax-Mingo family was clear,” Anderson said. “She is knowledgeable about school improvement, connects well with students and has unique experiences that match the direction of Colfax-Mingo as well as the profile developed from parent, staff and student input. We are lucky to have her joining our family.”

Lancaster comes to Colfax-Mingo with her husband Joe and three sons Clay, Chandler and Cameron. Along with her family, she is excited to become a part of the district’s communities and continue building on the “great things already happening.”

“I am very excited to join the Colfax-Mingo School District and immerse myself and my family in the communities,” Lancaster said.

Following Jones’s retirement at the end of the school year, Lancaster will officially begin in her role as principal July 1.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondaliynews.com