We are excited to announce that Mr. Derek Wilkins has accepted the position of Dean of Students at Karen Acres and Valerius Elementary Schools beginning in the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Wilkins brings a wealth of educational leadership experience to this role as he has been serving as our UHS Dean of Students for the past five years. Prior to that, Mr. Wilkins served as a Physical Education teacher at Prairieview in Waukee, and as an At-Risk Coordinator at Woodward-Granger Middle School.

Mr. Wilkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Iowa State University and Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University.

“I’m excited to collaborate with the staff and families at Karen Acres and Valerius to create a new community focused on academic achievement, safety, and equity for all in a caring and respectful way,” said Wilkins.

Throughout the 2022-23 school year, Mrs. Justmann and Mr. Wilkins will coordinate their schedules to ensure support is provided at both schools on a daily basis. Once the new Valerius opens for the 2023-24 school year, both Mrs. Justmann and Mr. Wilkins will support students, staff, and families in the new building.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Wilkins as our Karen Acres and Valerius Dean of Students. We are incredibly fortunate to get to work with and learn from this true champion of all students and staff.

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