Pleasant Valley School District recently appointed Dr. Darin Haack as its next superintendent, following the retirement of Superintendent Brian Strusz. After the final board approval, Dr. Haack will start his tenure on July 1, 2026.
He currently works as an assistant superintendent in the Ankeny Community School District. He has been working there for more than 20 years. The district is one of the largest in Iowa, serving 18 schools and more than 12,500 students.
Before entering district administration, Dr. Haack had a background in music education. He began teaching in 2003, leading successful music programs in Ankeny. After 10 years as a music teacher, he became an assistant principal and associate principal of Ankeny Centennial High School, eventually advancing to assistant superintendent.
During his time in district leadership, Dr. Haack has overseen a range of initiatives. For example, he oversaw 100 million dollars in facility upgrades across the district, led strategic planning initiatives and focused on staff recruitment and community engagement. The Pleasant Valley Educational Board has expressed confidence in his experience and commitment to student success.
Dr Haack’s vision for Pleasant Valley emphasizes academic and extracurricular excellence. “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
PV students Ammar Bazzara and Levi Steele said they are excited about the district’s future. “I think the new superintendent could bring a positive change to our school,” Bazzara said. “He already has a lot of previous experience as the assistant superintendent at a school district of 12,500. I am sure he will be well-equipped to handle our own growing district.”
Steele added, “Brian Strusz was a great superintendent, and Dr. Haack’s resume is filled with positives, and he has so much potential to better our district.”
With the transition underway, Pleasant Valley looks forward to a new chapter in district leadership.
