Roorda named Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Dr. Nikki Roorda

Nicole (Nikki) Roorda, Ed.D has been named the new JCSD Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, effective July 1, 2021.

Roorda joined the Johnston Community School District in 2019 as the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning and a member of Superintendent Laura Kacer’s executive cabinet. In March 2021, current Associate Superintendent Bruce Amendt, Ed.D, announced his retirement, creating a vacancy and opportunity for reorganization at the administrative level.

“Dr. Roorda is an exceptional person to become our new associate superintendent,” said Kacer. “Her knowledge of school administration, school improvement leadership, and passion for teacher and student learning has reinvigorated our focus for growth in the school district.”

Roorda’s past education experience spans the K-12 spectrum. Her career began in Montezuma schools in 1995 as an elementary school teacher. She then went on to teach elementary school in the Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Douglas County (Colorado) school districts. She returned to Iowa in 2004 as the Ankeny Community Schools K-12 literacy coordinator. She then moved to Heartland AEA as a school improvement consultant and in 2007, took over as a Heartland AEA regional director. She served with Heartland until joining Johnston in 2019.

As the Associate Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, Roorda will be responsible for leadership, oversight and implementation of curriculum design, academics and professional learning for certified staff. Additionally, she will oversee the completion of various Department of Education reports, facilitating several committees and community engagement.

“I am humbled and honored to be taking this step in my career with the Johnston Community School District,” Roorda said. “I’m looking forward to continued work in the area of teaching, learning, and leadership with the wonderful staff and students in Johnston.”

Roorda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Health Studies and a certification in Elementary Education from Central College (Pella), Master’s Degree in Education with a focus in Teaching and Learning from Regis University (Denver, CO), and a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Educational Administration for Teaching and Learning from Walden University (Minneapolis, MN). Roorda lives in Ankeny with her husband, two dogs, and twin daughters, who are seniors at Ankeny High School.

The Johnston Board of Education approved Roorda’s appointment at the April 5, 2021 board meeting.