DMPS Names New Principals at Howe, Madison, South Union

Two experienced leaders are being promoted to elementary school principals, and a third principal is taking the helm at another school at Des Moines Public Schools. They are: Jennifer Krieger (Madison Elementary School); Trenton Williams (Howe Elementary School); and Jill Burke (South Union Elementary School).

“This is a strong movement of educational leaders in our schools who understand our goal of becoming the national model for urban education,” said Matthew Smith, associate superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “I know that they are going to work closely with their schools and communities to support that effort.”

The three principals begin their new positions in July.

Trenton Williams – Howe Elementary School

HOWE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Trenton Williams, Principal

Trenton Williams is a global educator and graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 2000, where he was valedictorian, commencement speaker and student body president. Go, Rails! Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and French from Luther College in Decorah, IA, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He holds a master’s in educational leadership from the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY. Williams also completed an education specialist degree at Drake University. Before coming to work for Des Moines Public Schools in 2015, Williams spent 11 years teaching abroad; two years teaching at the Dubai American Academy, United Arab Emirates; seven years at the Singapore American School, Southeast Asia; and two years at the International School of Stavanger, Norway. For the past four years, he has served as an interventionist at McKinley Elementary and a Released Dean at Jackson Elementary. Williams replaces Jill Burke, who will become principal at South Union Elementary. 

Jennifer Krieger, Madison Elementary School

MADISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jennifer Krieger, Principal

Jennifer Krieger began her career in education at Des Moines Public Schools in August of 2008, as a 7th grade teacher at Brody Middle School. She left the district to teach both elementary and middle school in Waukee for several years before returning to DMPS as an Instructional Coach at Moulton Elementary School in 2014. In 2016, she became the district’s Elementary Math Coordinator, developing curriculum, and leading and planning professional development for teachers throughout DMPS with a focus on equity and best practices in mathematics. Krieger has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and middle level education from University of Northern Iowa, and earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University. Krieger replaces Cory Heaberlin, who left Des Moines for a new educational position in eastern Iowa. 

Jill Burke, South Union Elementary School

SOUTH UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jill Burke, Principal

Jill Burke arrives at South Union after six successful years at the helm of Howe Elementary School and two years as the Dean of Students at Monroe Elementary School in Des Moines. Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa State University and earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. She began teaching in 2002, in a rural community outside of Des Moines. She also worked as an elementary school teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal in Buckeye, AZ, before arriving at DMPS. Burke replaces Dr. Bill Szakacs, who is taking a leadership position at our Mitchell Preschool.