McKinley Elementary Welcomes New Principal: Sarah Grady

Sarah Grady, who joined DMPS in 2005, will be the next principal of McKinley Elementary School.

McKinley Elementary School will welcome a new principal when the 2018-19 school year begins. Sarah Grady, current Dean of Students at Stowe Elementary School, has accepted the position and takes over for Lois Brass, who is retiring.

Grady is a proven leader at DMPS with more than a decade of experience. She started as a teacher at River Woods Elementary School in 2005. She also taught at Edmunds and Samuelson elementary schools before becoming an instructional coach in 2014.  She is a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Northern Iowa.

“Sarah Grady is a passionate educator who believes in the philosophy that every child deserves an equal opportunity to excel,” said Susan Tallman, Executive Director of Elementary Schools. “Her work in the classroom, coaching teachers and creating collaboration school-wide will be assets as she grows McKinley Elementary School in positive directions.”

McKinley Elementary is named for the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. Students began attending in the current building in 1904. Sarah Grady will be the school’s 18th principal since staff began keeping records in 1907.

“I have been very fortunate to work with so many dedicated, innovative educators who are passionate about transforming instruction to meet the needs of our diverse population,” Grady said. “I am committed to creating a safe place where all students have access to high quality instruction as they learn to use their gifts and talents to lead us into the future.”

Sarah Grady begins work as principal at McKinley Elementary on July 1, 2018.