DMPS Names Director of Curriculum: Holly Crandell

Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of a veteran principal, Holly Crandell, to serve as the new Director of Curriculum for Iowa’s largest school district. Crandell is currently the principal of Oak Park Elementary School in Des Moines.

“Holly has been an excellent educational leader at Oak Park, leading an effort to improve reading and math for all students,” said Dr. Nancy Sebring, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “I am confident students throughout our district are going to benefit from her record of success.”

“It’s an exciting challenge and opportunity to be able to work with our teachers and students in order to strengthen the educational capacity of our district,” said Crandell. “I believe that our students are capable of greater achievements than some people give them credit for, and I want to help unlock the great potential that exists here.”

Crandell has been the principal of Oak Park Elementary School since 2006. During her time there, she has worked to increase core instruction time; implemented intervention systems for students in need of assistance; developed improved building assessment plans; and increased the incorporation of technology for daily student instruction.

Prior to joining Des Moines Public Schools, Crandell spent nearly a decade with the Council Bluffs Community School District, including four years as principal of Lewis & Clark Elementary and Crescent Elementary schools. She began her career in education as an elementary teacher in St. Joseph, MO.

Crandell received her BA in elementary education from Northwest Missouri State University and holds an MA in educational leadership from Doane College.