Greg Dufoe – Superintendent of ADM Schools

One of the best things about Adel is our school system. Its high standards of excellence transcend zip code as it extends across three communities and 4 locations.

This month we spoke with Superintendent Greg Dufoe to learn more about ADM’s secrets for success.

Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, ADM, strives to be fertile ground for the development of young minds into future leaders by “Experiencing Success Today, Achieving Dreams Tomorrow”.

For many, teachers are seen as the front line for education, but it is the underrated Superintendent that acts as the glue holding the school system together by working with building Principals, staff, parents, students, and the school board while focusing on student achievement and balancing political direction with community needs.

Greg Dufoe has been the ADM Superintendent for the past 5 years. Before migrating to school administration, Greg taught middle school English for 8 years during which time he learned significantly from those 11-12 year old children.

“I learned early not to have low expectations of students. I enjoyed Middle School kids, it’s such a dynamic time and they are so caught in the middle. They needed adults to surround and understand them.”

After teaching, Greg went back to school for his Masters to become a principal in Missouri for 4 years while furthering his education to become a Superintendent.

As a principal at a very large district of 10,000 children, ADM’s smaller size was appealing. Now boasting enrollment of 1550 students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, ADM granted Greg the opportunities he sought to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students while helping to solve complex educational issues; namely, student achievement and the constant struggle to move learning forward while striking a balance between traditional techniques and available technology.

“It is imperative for administrators to relate with the student body. Creating solid relationships with students not only makes the job more fun, but also creates a culture of respect, kindness, and collaboration on the right things – students and their success. The key is to focus on what is best for the students. That should be our compass in a complex world. We can be pulled in many directions at one time, but we always need to return to what is best for our young people. This is not always easy to do but it is essential.”

This high standard of excellence drew Greg, an Iowa native, and his family to become part of the Adel- DeSoto- Minburn community. Greg and his family live in Adel and he is the current President of the Adel Rotary Club.

“All of our communities want great things for our young people. Our schools and communities work together in that our young people are a tremendous resource and we have a tremendous obligation to create opportunities for success in their lives, even beyond their time as a student at ADM. Students will respond to high expectations and challenges. I hear from parents that they are thankful for the high expectations we have for students, and they value the quality of our teachers.”

ADM is well regarded for top quality education as measured by the ACT, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and Iowa Test of Educational Development standardized test scores, and a wide variety of ADM specific data such as the number of ADM students who graduate, the number of graduates who pursue further education, and attendance levels. The Adel- DeSoto- Minburn school district is proud to rank above the state average of Iowa assessments, and has had outstanding ACT scores for the past 5 years.

This is a credit not only to the staff at ADM, but also the dedicated students and parents. New technology, funded by the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) passed in 2012, allows parents to track student progress throughout the year. Infinite Campus keeps parents and students abreast of grades, assignments, attendance, and more all with the click of a mouse.

“The PPEL levy has tremendously improved our available technology for staff and students. We are very proud of the impact this has had on our district – we really went from an unacceptable place regarding technology to an exciting level of quality. ”

The Adel-DeSoto- Minburn school system sets lofty goals for its students, staff, and infrastructure that are met time and again. These high aspirations can only be accomplished through the hard work, dedication, and forward thinking of school administrators like Greg, staff, students, parents, and community members. Please continue to support ADM’s grand initiatives as we help to build strong leaders with each graduating class!

Greg Dufoe, Superintendent
ADM High School
801 Nile Kinnick Dr. So.
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-993-4584
Website: www.adel.k12.ia.us
Email: gdufoe@adm.k12.ia.us