The College Community District is pleased to announce that Spence Evans has been selected to lead Prairie High School pending Board approval. He replaces Karla Hawley who has resigned her position effective at the end of the school year.

Evans, a native of Mount Pleasant Iowa, comes to College Community with a wealth of building leader experience. Evans’ 17 years as a building principal included Amos Hiatt Middle School in Des Moines, Ames High School and most recently Tipton High School.  Prior to serving as a building principal, Evans spent 5 years as a Dean of Students and Vice Principal. 

During his tenure as Principal at Ames High School, they were selected as the number one high school in Iowa 7 out of his 9 years. He served and led multiple district and building committees and has implemented numerous programs to support students and staff. During his career Evans received the Bandmasters Administrator of the Year, Distinguished Service Award for the Iowa Business Educator Association, Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association Administrator of the Year and was recognized as the MetLife Principal of the Year.        

“Spence has a long history of successful leadership at the high school level in a variety of school sizes and contexts,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Wheeler. “He brings a proven record of building belonging and connection in large school settings through his focus on relationships, clear communication and belief in student and staff potential for success.  I am excited to welcome Spence to Prairie as we continue our work to be student-focused and future-driven to deliver our vision of Success for All.”

Evans received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa, earned a Master’s in Educational Administration and his Specialist in Education from Drake University.

“Prairie has a great sense of community and I am honored to be a part of the College Community School District,” said Evans.  “I am looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at Prairie High School. Relationships are so important and I want to help all students see our school as a safe, caring and positive environment.  The students, staff, district leadership and family support makes this a forever job for me and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Spence and his wife Abby have three children, Teddy, Joe and Sarah. Teddy and Joe currently attend the University of Iowa and Sarah resides in Tipton.