We Are Ankeny

The people who make the Ankeny Experience exceptional.
Every student's success is supported by a team of dedicated professionals who bring knowledge, compassion, and specialized expertise to Ankeny Schools. In this month's Advancing the Vision message, Dr. Erick Pruitt shares how these staff members make the difference every day and create exceptional experiences for your student.

🎧For our 100th episode, Dr. Pruitt hosts Mark Moss and Mike Maddalozzo for another ACSD construction check-in. They're giving updates on the new high school facilities, AstroTurf® installation at the baseball/softball fields, and the Ankeny Innovation HUB. Plenty is happening, and more to look forward to.
🎧 Celebrate episode 100 with us and get the latest on what’s taking shape across the district!

Part 1 of a 3-part series, Dr. Erick Pruitt takes a closer look at what families are choosing when they choose Ankeny Schools. From strong academics and early learning foundations to advanced coursework, career pathways, and the Ankeny Innovation Hub, students have room to grow and find their own path. This is the academic side of the Ankeny Experience: a look at the possibilities available to students from preschool through graduation. 

🍎 What’s for lunch? Burnt Ends Day is back, and you'd better believe it has Dr. Pruitt’s attention.🔥
The latest We Are Ankeny is serving up A New Foodie Generation! Director of Nutrition Services Scott Litchfield, Chef Joe Weisz, and Dietitian Susan Carlson talk about what’s new in Ankeny schools, from new menu items and scratch cooking to food allergies, special diets, and free and reduced-price meals. They share how our Nutrition Services team continues to create meals that are nutritious, fresh, and, most importantly, enjoyed by students.

Great schools are built by many people working together, and not all of them are in the classroom.

We're introducing three new members of the Ankeny Schools senior leadership team: Chief Financial Officer Deb Farver, Chief Operations Officer Mark Moss, and Chief Information Officer Jerome Hilsher. Their teams are working behind the scenes to support our buildings, staff, and students. They are part of creating the Ankeny Experience every day. Get to know the people behind the titles, including a few things you probably wouldn’t expect! 

What does a building hold mean? How is it different from a shelter in place or a lockdown?

Asst. Superintendent Dr. Amy Dittmar is joined by ACSD Safety Coordinators Erin Kohlsdorf and Tanner Iverson, both Ankeny Schools alumni, to explain the language behind school safety drills. Learn why we practice them and how preparation helps create safe learning environments for students and staff.

 🚧 Construction Junction... what's your function? Keeping schools moving forward, one project at a time!  Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with Chief Operating Officer Mark Moss and Director of Operations Mike Maddalazzo for the latest updates on construction projects across the district, including the Ankeny Innovation Hub, Northview parking improvements, HVAC and roofing upgrades, new landscaping, and more.

Find out what's complete, what's currently underway, and what's coming next as we prepare for another great school year.

A lot is happening behind the scenes to support Ankeny students and families, and much of it starts with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). 💙 In this episode of Let's Talk About It, Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with the FACE Assistant Tricia Hugeback and community volunteers Dave Kissinger and Shelly Northway to explore how FACE connects families with resources, coordinates volunteers, and brings community-wide initiatives like Backpack Blitz and Warming Up for Winter to life. Listen now.

Discover why more families are choosing Ankeny Schools' Transitional Kindergarten program. Listen to our latest podcast and learn what it means to be #TKStrong with Ankeny Asst. Principal Ken Vacek, TK teacher Nicole Vortherms, Director of Elementary Education Tara Owen & Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt.

The next generation of leaders isn't waiting for the future. Northview students share how attending the 2026 Student Voice Symposium in West Des Moines challenged them to think bigger, speak up, and lead with purpose.