DMPS Adds Two Positions Following Anti-Racist Town Halls

Peter LeBlanc

Peter LeBlanc, Principal on Special Assignment

Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce two new positions grown with input from staff, students, families and the community during the 2020 Anti-racist Town Hall series in June. The new leadership roles are employee support focused, Principal on Special Assignment and Principal Intern.

  • Principal on Special Assignment: Goodrell Middle School Principal Peter LeBlanc will serve in this position within the office of Talent Support. In direct response to feedback from the Anti-racist Town Hall, he will lead a comprehensive system to support, and nurture BIPOC staff, in service of helping with retention and eventual recruitment efforts. LeBlanc has served as principal of Goodrell since 2016, and at King Elementary School for five years prior, where he oversaw an increase in overall enrollment and English Language Learner students, while simultaneously developing programming tailored to his changing student population. LeBlanc has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono, and a master’s degree from the University of Houston in Texas.

“As our community and the nation rallies around issues of racial injustice, DMPS is moving forward in substantial ways to create a space for conversations around equity issues for students and staff,” said Executive Director of Talent Support Tim Schott. “We will model and inspire a culture of care and effectiveness, and create a transformational system oriented toward equity and anti-racist leadership.”

Carrie Romo

Carrie Romo, Principal Intern

  • Principal Intern: Carrie Romo will serve as the district’s first Principal Intern, a position created in response to feedback from staff during the Anti-racist Town Halls. The position of Principal Intern will give employees ready to become new principals the opportunity to serve in the role with enhanced support from the district. Romo succeeds LeBlanc at Goodrell and will benefit from his focused attention on her growth throughout the year. Romo has served with DMPS for 15 years and is currently an Associate Principal at Roosevelt High School. She is bilingual and has been deeply involved in supporting the education community through her work as a middle school teacher, a Culture, Climate, Community Coordinator and leading workshops at national and local conferences on equity in education. She has a bachelor’s degree from Central College in Pella and a master’s degree from Drake University. Romo went on to pursue a specialist degree in education focusing on culturally responsive leadership and instruction along with K-12 principalship from Drake University.

“Carrie is everything you want in a principal,” LeBlanc said. “She’s committed her career and energy to DMPS students and dedicated to the goal of equity in education. I can’t wait for Goodrell families to meet her.”

Both LeBlanc and Romo will begin their roles during the 2020-21 school year.