School News

Announcing Our UHS Deans of Students

Announcing Our UHS Deans of Students

We’re excited to introduce our two new Deans of Students at Urbandale High School. Jared Power has accepted the position of Dean of Students and Johanna Russell has accepted the position of Interim Dean of Students.

UHS Dean of Students Jared Power
Jared Power Headshot 1 resizedMost recently, Jared Power served as a Student Engagement Coordinator, Behavior Strategist, and Special Education Teacher at Goodrell Middle School for Des Moines Public Schools. Prior to that, he was an Elementary Principal in the Chariton Community School District, a Special Education Teacher in the Johnston Community School District, a Special Education and English Language Arts Teacher at Woodward Academy, and an English Language Arts Teacher and At Risk Coordinator at Moravia Community School District. Mr. Power holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Drake University, a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education and Athletic Program Management from Morningside University, a Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program from Buena Vista University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from Iowa State University.

“As an Urbandale resident, I am proud to be serving the community where I live and I’m excited to work with the team at UHS to form a deeper bond with our students, staff, and community,” said Power. “Being a parent of children who will be attending Urbandale Schools, I want to foster an environment where all students and staff have a strong sense of belonging and feel physically and emotionally safe because that’s what I want for my own family. I believe our words and actions should align with continual improvement of our schools and community, and I look forward to finding ways to further engage our students and families at UHS.”

UHS Interim Dean of Students Johanna Russell
Johanna RussellPrior to joining the UHS team, Johanna Russell served as a Student Building and Support Specialist, Building Master Instructional Mentor, Master Mentor Teacher, and Art Teacher in the Ankeny Community School District. She has also served as a K-12 Curriculum Advisor in the Knoxville School District, an Iowa Area Education Agencies Instructor, an Iowa State Education Association Instructor, a Grand View University Student-Teaching Supervisor, and an Art of Education University Graduate Instructor.

Next summer, Ms. Russell will be receiving her Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure from Drake University. She holds a K-8 Instructional Strategist 1 License from Morningside College, a Master of Arts in Education from Viterbo University, is a License Master Educator, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa.

“Urbandale has had a special place in my heart since I attended my first 4th of July parade when I was in high school,” said Russell. “The Urbandale community has a tight and powerful bond where I remember instantly feeling welcome. As an educational leader, I purposely sought out UCSD because success and growth are carefully planned. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join this community and to work in service for students, staff, and families. I believe in Urbandale High School’s vision of changing the world and I can’t wait to learn and grow with this community!”

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Power and Ms. Russell to our UHS Administrative Team. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with these outstanding leaders!