Waukee CSD Announces School Leadership Updates

We are proud to announce updates to three elementary leadership positions. All are pending board approval on Dec. 11, 2023. Current Shuler Elementary Principal, Dr. Joel Fey, will be the principal at Waterford Elementary when it opens in the fall of 2024-25. Also, the interim titles will be removed from Walnut Hills Elementary Principal Doug Barry and Eason Assistant Principal Trisha Castler. Our staff will begin hiring for the next Shuler Elementary principal immediately.

Dr. Joel Fey Will Become Principal at Waterford Elementary

Dr. Fey received his B.A. in Elementary Education from Grand View University in 1995, an M.S. in Education from Drake University in 2003, and an Ed.D., Doctor of Education, from Drake University in 2022. He has served as Shuler Principal since 2017. His prior experiences included time as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and building principal. Joel’s wife, Sea, is a midwife in Des Moines, and they are proud parents of two children, TJ and Alli.

Doug Barry Will Remain Principal at Walnut Hills Elementary

Mr. Barry has 21 years of experience as a building administrator, including 13 in Waukee, where he served eight years as the principal of South Middle School, four as the principal of Maple Grove Elementary School, and one as the shared Eason/Maple Grove assistant principal. He holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Doug has three children who have graduated from Waukee CSD. His wife, Jen, is also an employee of the District.

“Over the past six months, the staff, students, and families of Walnut Hills have been extremely welcoming, positive, and amazing to work alongside. I am honored to continue serving the Walnut Hills community as principal and look forward to working hard to help our students and staff grow as Learners and Leaders to make a positive impact in our community and world,” Doug says.

Trisha Casler Will Remain Assistant Principal at Eason Elementary

Mrs. Casler has been an educator for 25 years in a variety of roles and districts, including serving Waukee CSD for 15 years as a kindergarten teacher, ESOL teacher, instructional mentor, and this year as interim assistant principal. She holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and Viterbo University. Trisha has a daughter who is a graduate of Waukee High School and a son who currently attends Northwest High School.

“This year, it has been an honor to work and learn alongside many talented and gifted educators, families, and students at Eason. I’ve learned quickly that Eason is a special place with a strong culture representing a united school family. I am excited to continue to grow and build on the relationships that have started this year at Eason and give my best every day to support our students, staff, and families that make Eason a great place to be!” Trisha says.