DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools announced that Walnut Street School will be welcoming new principal Tom Bartello for its upcoming school year in a press release Thursday.
Bartello takes over after former Walnut Street School Principal Amy Laug moved to become Brody Middle School's principal earlier this summer.
Before his new role, Bartello served as an associate principal at Hubbell Elementary for three years. Before that, he worked as an elementary principal in the Johnston and Newton school districts for six years.
"I will miss my Hubbell family but am excited to join Walnut Street School and to become part of a community that also values growth, collaboration, and the unique talents of every student and staff member," Bartello said in the release. "My goal is to build on the school's existing strengths while introducing new initiatives that support our vision for student success."
Dr. Robert Lundin, Chief Academic Officer of DMPS said that Bartello's dedication to student achievement and an innovative approach to leadership in education made him an excellent candidate.
Bartello began working at the school this summer following approval from the School Board. He is taking over the role of the former principal Amy Laugh, who is the principal at Brody Middle School for this upcoming school year.
Bartello received his undergraduate degree in elementary education at Northwestern College before getting a master's in education leadership from Iowa State University. He is currently working towards his Doctorate in Education in culturally responsive leadership from Drake University and is expected to complete it in the summer of 2026.
"We are confident that under his guidance, the school will continue to provide outstanding education opportunities for our students," Lundin said.