New Principal Named For Waterloo Elementary School

The Waterloo Board of Education is expected to approve the appointment of a new principal for Lou Henry Elementary School on Monday (April 24, 2017).

District officials have chosen Jake Youngkent to fill the leadership position. He would replace long-time Waterloo Schools administrator Liz Crowley, who passed away earlier this year.

"Circumstances surrounding this appointment have been very emotional for us all," Youngkent said, "but we are excited to continue doing the work that we have begun and carry on Liz's legacy at Lou Henry."

Youngkent has been with the district since 2004, most recently serving under Crowley at Lou Henry as the lead teacher the past three years. Before that, Youngkent spent a decade teaching math and literacy at George Washington Carver Academy (formerly Logan Middle School) and serving as an instructional coach. He also coached track, football, basketball and cross county at the middle and high school levels.

“The building principal plays such a critical role in moving a school forward toward the vision and goals,” said Dr. Jane Lindaman, Waterloo Schools Superintendent. “Mr. Youngkent is going to do an amazing job as the next principal at Lou Henry. He learned from one of the very best.”

Youngkent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in elementary education and principalship, respectively. He was named a Gold Star teacher in 2013.