Jim Knott, Board Secretary (note taker)
What led you to want to join the board?
There was a desire to continue to have a school administrator on the Foundation Board after Mr. Krusemark left three years ago. I drew the shortest straw and the rest is history. Actually, I agreed to fill the vacant spot because I felt I could represent the Middle and High School perspective on the Foundation Board.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your board role? (career, hobbies, family, other DC West activities, etc.)
I am starting my 11th year as the High School Principal at Douglas County West. I enjoy woodworking, home improvement, boating, fishing, and following Iowa State athletics outside of my school duties. I am married to my wife Courtney (20 years) and we have two children, Jackson (12) and Kendall (9). Jackson is a 6th grader and Kendall is a 3rd grader at DC West Elementary and Middle Schools.
Tell me a little about your background. (hometown, school, etc.)
My wife and I both attended Missouri Valley Community Schools in western Iowa. We also both attended Iowa State University for our undergraduate degrees. I also have a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University and a Specialist Degree in School Leadership from Doane University. I was a high school social studies teacher (11 years) and head varsity football coach (13 years) before I moved into high school administration.
What are some of your favorite things about DC West?
I love that DC West is large enough to offer students a wide variety of classes and activities but small enough where students can participate in many things and are never a “number.” I believe DC West is in the “sweet spot” when it comes to school size.
What do you hope to see this board achieve in the coming year or years?
I hope to see the Foundation continue to grow in membership and donation levels in order to further support the student and teacher wish lists for DC West.
Why do you think others should support or get involved with the DC West Schools Foundation?
I think the Foundation is a great cause and donating is easily justified. Most people can get behind donating when they can see the fruit of their donations play out in front of their eyes in their local community. Schools are where the future is shaped in the present day, and in smaller communities like Valley, Waterloo, and the surrounding areas, I see great pride in the schools and kids.
What is a “fun fact” about you?
I have a large arsenal of “dad jokes” that I like to tell my kids at home or around their friends. They usually groan and are embarrassed by this which causes me to do it more often!
Anything else you’d like to share with the community?
The DC West School Foundation is a great group to be a part of or to donate to. All time and money goes back to the kids at DC West in some form.