A new assistant principal has been named at the Fort Dodge Middle School.

Joshua Schaefer will start in that role for the 2025-2026 school year, according to an announcement from the Fort Dodge Community School District.

He is currently an elementary school teacher in the North Polk Community School District.

“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter as assistant principal at Fort Dodge Middle School,” Schaefer said in a written statement. “I am eager to embrace new challenges, support and learn from others and am honored to join such a highly respected and successful district. I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, administrators, coaches and community members to build upon the district’s many strengths and help shape an even more exceptional future together.”

Schaefer has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and a Master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.

The middle school currently has an interim assistant principal following the death of Assistant Principal Aaron Miller in a Jan. 11 vehicle accident..