Samuelson Elementary to have new principal this fall

For more than two decades, Cindy Roerig has served the children of the Lower Beaver Neighborhood as the principal of Woodlawn Elementary and, later, Samuelson Elementary. This spring, she will retire from a career spanning four decades, and Des Moines Public Schools this week announced Benjamin LaConner as her successor. LaConnor moves to Samuelson from Hillis Elementary, where he has served as associate principal. Additionally, he has served DMPS as a special ed consultant, summer school site coordinator, and instructional strategist. Prior to moving to Des Moines and working for DMPS, he held positions in education and business in Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; and Santa Barbara, Honduras. LaConnor holds degrees from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, City University of Seattle in Seattle, WA, and Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. For the complete announcement, click here.