DMPS Names New Principals at Harding, McCombs Middle Schools

Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of two new principals: Maureen Taylor at Harding Middle School and Nancy Croy at McCombs Middle School.

“Maureen and Nancy complete a terrific team of new principals in our school district this year, joining a group of educators who are experienced and focused on school improvements for the benefit of all students,” said Dr. Nancy Sebring, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools.

“It’s a great honor to be able to continue to be a part of Harding Middle School and I look forward to continuing the success we’ve enjoyed in recent years, working with a terrific group of teachers to help a wonderful bunch of students succeed in their education,” said Taylor.

“I am excited to be coming back to Iowa, being a part of the Des Moines school district, and working collaboratively with everyone in our mission to provide our kids with the best educational opportunities,” said Croy.

Taylor is currently the School Improvement Leader at Harding Middle School, a position she began in 2009. She began her education career as a teacher in Norwalk, was a school improvement consultant with the Heartland Area Education Agency, and was the Director of School Improvement at the Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District. She has also been an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at Drake University. Taylor received a BA and MA in English from Iowa State University and completed the Educational Leadership Program at Drake University.

Croy has been the principal of Lombardi Middle School in Green Bay, WI for the past 20 years, after serving two years as the associate principal. Lombardi Middle School was named as a 2010 Wisconsin Middle School of Excellence for its academic achievement. She has also been associate principal of Central High School in LaCrosse, WI and principal of Holy Family School in Davenport, IA. She began her career as a teacher in the Scranton and Perry school districts. Croy received a BA in art education and an MS in educational administration from Iowa State University.