Associate Principal Laura Cannon to Lead Capitol View

Laura Cannon moves from associate principal to principal at Capitol View Elementary on July 1.

A familiar face will lead Capitol View Elementary School when Principal Marsha Kerper retires this summer. Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce Laura Cannon will move from Associate Principal to principal beginning on July 1, 2021.

Cannon began her career at DMPS more than a decade ago as a teacher and then a behavior interventionist at Smouse Opportunity School and behavior strategist at Edmunds Elementary. She moved on to serve as an associate principal at King Elementary for three years, and then at Capitol View Elementary in the Fall of 2020.

“I felt a strong connection to Capitol View students, staff, and families and wanted to continue to be part of their growth,” Cannon said. “I have learned so much from both staff and students and look forward to supporting them as building leader. I want to continue to build capacity in our anti-racism and equity work while lifting and celebrating students’ culture and backgrounds as we set high expectations for staff and student learning.”

Cannon has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University, and master’s degrees in Special Education from Morningside College and Educational Leadership from Drake University. She also served as a Crisis Prevention Institute Trainer, was a member of the Intensive Literacy Support Team and participated in District Teacher Mentor Training.

“I am confident Laura Cannon will continue to bring her wealth of experience to the Capitol View community as she transitions from the associate principal into the role of building principal,” Director of Schools Gregory Grylls said. “Laura will work closely with the students, teachers and families to grow and build upon its established path of success.”

Cannon will work with Kerper on a smooth transition into her new role over the summer.