Ankeny names principal of new elementary school Abbie Grove
Ankeny's next elementary school has its first principal.
The school district announced in a statement Friday that Andrew Burg will be the principal of Abbie Grove Elementary, which is under construction and expected to join the district's 10 other elementary schools in fall 2024. The appointment is pending school board approval May 1.
Burg has been the principal at Ankeny's East Elementary since 2015 and will remain there through the 2023-24 school year. He previously served in Des Moines Public Schools as principal of Hanawalt Elementary School, dean of students at Capitol View Elementary School and a fifth grade teacher at Perkins Elementary School.
In a statement, Burg called the announcement "bittersweet" as he is "both excited to begin this new role and sad to leave the East Elementary family."
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"Having the opportunity to work with the students and the uniquely dedicated staff at East has truly been a daily gift," Burg said. "I sincerely believe in the positive impact of the school and family partnership and will continue to foster these partnerships as I transition to my role at Abbie Grove."
Burg has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in educational leadership from Drake University. He lives in Ankeny with his wife, Jodie, a first grade teacher, and their son, a middle schooler.
"Andrew's leadership and dedication at East Elementary to the students, staff and families has resulted in a thriving learning community that will continue on through this leadership change," superintendent Erick Pruitt said in a statement. "Mr. Burg's innovation as an instructional leader, ability to build relationships and commitment to Ankeny Schools sets up Abbie Grove Elementary for a future of success alongside Ankeny's 10 other elementary schools."
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Abbie Grove will be located near the intersection of Northwest 18th Street and Northwest Abbie Drive on Ankeny's northwest side near Polk City. The school will have the capacity for 800 students.
The school board is expected to consider new school boundaries for elementary students, including for Abbie Grove, in May. Abbie Grove's opening could impact boundaries at Rock Creek, Ashland Ridge and Westwood elementary schools.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ankeny names principal of new elementary school Abbie Grove
