CONFIDENCE THROUGH SPORTS. WELL, NEXT WEEK, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM ACROSS CENTRAL IOWA WILL GET A FRONT ROW SEAT TO THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION. IT’S PART OF ANKENY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY PROGRAM. ON OCTOBER 23RD, 20 BUSINESS LEADERS FROM COMPANIES IN THE METRO WILL GET THE CHANCE TO STEP INTO SCHOOL LEADERSHIP FOR A MORNING. THE GOAL IS TO STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN CLASSROOMS AND THE COMMUNITY WHILE ENCOURAGING MORE COLLABORATIO
Des Moines business leaders to become Ankeny’s ‘Principal for a Day’
On Oct. 23, businesses and community leaders will participate in Ankeny Community School District’s Principal for a Day program.
Updated: 10:41 PM CDT Oct 15, 2025
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On Thursday, Oct. 23, Des Moines area business and community leaders will participate in Ankeny Community School District’s Principal for a Day experience to witness the impact of education in shaping Ankeny’s future. Twenty business leaders will engage with the initiative aimed at building stronger connections between the classroom and the community, encouraging collaboration, volunteerism, and investment in ACSD students.“Innovation in education doesn’t just happen — it’s strengthened by the community around it,” said Dr. Erick Pruitt, superintendent of Ankeny Community School District. “Principal for a Day gives our partners a deeper understanding of what it takes to educate, support, and inspire students each day. We hope it also sparks new ideas for how we can continue to work together in support of our schools.”Throughout the morning, community leaders will shadow a principal at one of Ankeny’s schools, visiting classrooms, leadership meetings, and student activities. Afterward, they’ll learn more about the Orbis program, future growth plans, and opportunities for industry partnerships to deepen their relationships with Ankeny Schools.“Welcoming our community into our schools helps close the gap between education and industry,” said Ken Morris Jr., executive director of family and community engagement. “We invite leaders to envision how their expertise and partnership can propel us even further.”The Principal for a Day program highlights the district’s belief that education is a shared effort, and when schools and the community come together, students thrive.Participating businesses and community organizations include the Ankeny Police Department, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, City of Ankeny, Collins Aerospace, The Directors Council, DLR Group, DMACC, Fareway Stores Headquarters, Grand View University, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Haverkamp Group, Iowa Bankers Association/GDSM Partnership Workforce Collaborative, Iowa State University School of Education, Kimberley Development Corp, Kreg Tool Co., Mercy College of Health Sciences, Murphy Enterprizes LLC, Principal, Schabel Solutions Inc., and YMCA of Greater Des Moines.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, Des Moines area business and community leaders will participate in Ankeny Community School District’s Principal for a Day experience to witness the impact of education in shaping Ankeny’s future.
Twenty business leaders will engage with the initiative aimed at building stronger connections between the classroom and the community, encouraging collaboration, volunteerism, and investment in ACSD students.
“Innovation in education doesn’t just happen — it’s strengthened by the community around it,” said Dr. Erick Pruitt, superintendent of Ankeny Community School District. “Principal for a Day gives our partners a deeper understanding of what it takes to educate, support, and inspire students each day. We hope it also sparks new ideas for how we can continue to work together in support of our schools.”
Throughout the morning, community leaders will shadow a principal at one of Ankeny’s schools, visiting classrooms, leadership meetings, and student activities. Afterward, they’ll learn more about the Orbis program, future growth plans, and opportunities for industry partnerships to deepen their relationships with Ankeny Schools.
“Welcoming our community into our schools helps close the gap between education and industry,” said Ken Morris Jr., executive director of family and community engagement. “We invite leaders to envision how their expertise and partnership can propel us even further.”
The Principal for a Day program highlights the district’s belief that education is a shared effort, and when schools and the community come together, students thrive.
Participating businesses and community organizations include the Ankeny Police Department, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, City of Ankeny, Collins Aerospace, The Directors Council, DLR Group, DMACC, Fareway Stores Headquarters, Grand View University, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Haverkamp Group, Iowa Bankers Association/GDSM Partnership Workforce Collaborative, Iowa State University School of Education, Kimberley Development Corp, Kreg Tool Co., Mercy College of Health Sciences, Murphy Enterprizes LLC, Principal, Schabel Solutions Inc., and YMCA of Greater Des Moines.
