The Pleasant Valley Community School District Board of Education has named Dr. Darin Haack as the district’s new superintendent, pending board finalization.
Dr. Haack currently serves as assistant superintendent of Ankeny Community School District, where he has spent two decades in a variety of instructional and administrative leadership roles. In his current position, he helps lead a district of 18 schools serving more than 12,500 students in the suburban Des Moines area.
Dr. Haack began teaching in Ankeny in 2003, and he led award-winning music programs at Ankeny High School for 10 years. He later served as assistant principal and associate principal at Ankeny Centennial High School before being named assistant superintendent.
“As a board, we are very excited to welcome Dr. Darin Haack to Pleasant Valley,” said Board President
Molly Brockmann. “We feel his commitment to student success and passion for education will contribute
to our strong tradition of academic excellence. Dr. Haack brings extensive leadership experience in strategic planning and operational efficiency while prioritizing a positive and supportive culture for students and staff.”
As assistant superintendent, Haack has overseen more than $100 million in facility upgrades aligned with instructional priorities. He has also led districtwide strategic planning efforts and other major initiatives focused on community engagement and the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.
“The Pleasant Valley Community School District shares my commitment to ensuring that every student experiences exceptional academic and extracurricular programs that prepare them for a lifetime of success. I am excited about the opportunity to lead a district that is proud of its success and also is driven to continuously improve outcomes for students,” Dr. Haack said. I look forward to working with students, staff, families, and the community to realize our shared vision of elevating leadership, innovation, and achievement.”
The Board of Education worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search
to allow adequate time for a leadership transition ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Haack’s contract
is pending approval at the February 4th special board meeting. Dr. Haack will officially begin leading the
Pleasant Valley Community School District effective July 1, 2026. He will replace current Superintendent, Brian Strusz, who is retiring after serving the district for 30 years.