Principal Renita Lord to Lead King Elementary School

Currently principal at Garton Elementary School, Renita Lord will lead King Elementary School beginning this summer.

A longtime school leader who has dedicated her career to educating Des Moines Public Schools students will become the principal of King Elementary School. Renita Lord will take over for Mekisha Barnes, who recently accepted the position of principal at Weeks Middle School.

“Renita is a proven school leader, having led Garton Elementary toward becoming a stable and consistent beacon on the East side of Des Moines,” Executive Director of Talent Support Tim Schott said. “Her experience, combined with strong communication skills and dedication to ensuring each and every student reaches their potential will serve King Elementary and the King-Irving neighborhood quite well.”

Lord began her career in education in 1996 at McKinley Elementary, where she worked for nearly a decade teaching English Language Learners, kindergarten, second and fifth grades. She also taught at South Union and Morris Elementary before becoming the Dean of Students at Garton Elementary in 2010. She was hired as the school’s principal in 2013.

“I am excited for this new opportunity to learn with and learn from the students, staff, families and community of King Elementary School,” Lord said. “I strive daily for an environment where students can reach their highest potential in a comprehensive and safe learning environment.”

Lord has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, both from Iowa State University. She earned her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Drake University. She has served on the following committees: Early Literacy Task Force, Principal Advisory Committee, Return to Learn Team, Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Committee.

Renita Lord will begin working with King Elementary staff soon for a smooth transition on July 1, 2021.