Scott Grimes Named Superintendent of the Ames Community School District

On April 19, 2024, the Ames School Board of Directors named Scott Grimes as the next Superintendent of Ames Community School District, pending board approval. Grimes will be the 29th superintendent of Ames Public Schools in its 153-year history. 

Grimes is currently the Recovery Support Administrator at Perry Community School District where he worked with Perry’s administrative team, state, and national administrative teams to create a plan for school re-entry and healing after a school shooting. Prior to that, he served 12 years as Superintendent at Dallas Center-Grimes (DCG). At DCG, Grimes led a 5-12 Vision connecting business with schools, and created a sharing agreement that enabled Johnston students to benefit from DCG’s agriscience strand with support from major businesses. Prior to DCG, he was the Superintendent at Louisa-Muscatine Community School District where he led the district and the community through Persistently Lowest Achieving School (PLAS) information and created steps to improve school ranking. 

Under his leadership, he helped to guide the creation of an Education Foundation, a Superintendent Advisory Team and student roundtable, as well as increasing early childhood opportunities. 

Ames School Board President Kelly Winfrey said, “Mr. Grimes is an experienced leader who cares deeply about students, and we are thrilled for him to lead the district.”

Prior to his current role, Grimes has not only served as a superintendent, but he has been a Lead Administrator and Principal. In addition he has been both a sixth grade and special education teacher. 

Professional Experience History:

• Recovery Support Administrator, Perry Community School District (2024-Present)
• Superintendent, Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District (2011-2023)
• Superintendent, Louisa-Muscatine Community School District (2007-2011)
• Lead Administrator/Principal, Louisa-Muscatine CSD (2007-2008)
• Principal, Louisa-Muscatine CSD (2001-2007)

Grimes earned his Ed.S. in Superintendent Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. He also holds a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration from Iowa State University.  

Grimes states, “I am eager to serve an organization that continuously progresses towards greatness for the betterment of the whole child and which values its families, staff, and community.”  

As a District, we are excited for Grimes to begin his tenure within the Ames Community School District. He will officially begin on July 1, 2024.