February 7, 2022
During their February 7 meeting, the Bondurant-Farrar Board of Education approved the appointment of Amy Ripperger as high school assistant principal and Shawn Bennett as junior high assistant principal.
“We are pleased to welcome both Amy Ripperger and Shawn Bennett to our school community,” said Rich Powers, superintendent. “Both are talented, student-centered leaders who have made a significant impact in their current roles. We know they will really enhance our student and staff experiences moving forward.”
The inclusive search and selection process included involvement from Bondurant-Farrar staff, students, parents, and community members. As a district, we look forward to the knowledge, experience and passion for education that both individuals will bring to the role.
Ripperger and Bennett will begin serving in the assistant principal roles effective July 1, 2022.
Amy Ripperger, Assistant Principal
Bondurant-Farrar High School
Ripperger is the current teacher leadership coordinator for the Indianola Community School District, where she oversees dozens of staff members and has facilitated the creation of an online course for teachers to earn their license renewal credits. She previously served as an instructional coach and social studies teacher for Indianola CSD, as well as a social studies teacher at Prior Lake High School in Minnesota.
As assistant principal of the Bondurant-Farrar High School, Ripperger will serve alongside current lead principal, Erik Garnass.
“Bondurant-Farrar is a thriving and growing district with a quality reputation,” said Ripperger. “I'm excited to join the team of teachers and staff at BFHS who are working hard every day to support the success of our students. Go Bluejays!”
Ripperger is pursuing a doctor of education degree in leadership from Drake University in Des Moines. She also holds a master’s degree in teaching from Bethel University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul.
Shawn Bennett, Assistant Principal
Bondurant-Farrar Junior High
Bennett currently serves as middle school assistant principal for the Fort Dodge Community School District, where she is responsible for professional development for staff members teaching grades 5-8 and has collaborated with instructional coaches to provide support to teachers. She also regularly analyzes data to make informed decisions with the other members of the administrative team. Prior to her current role, Bennett was a dean of students and teacher for Fort Dodge CSD.
As assistant principal of Bondurant-Farrar’s new junior high, Bennett will serve alongside Jeremiah Ostrem who was previously appointed lead principal of the building. The junior high is on schedule to open in August 2022 and will serve students in grades 7-8.
“I am honored to be chosen for this position and am so excited to join the Bondurant-Farrar School District,” said Bennett. “Finding ways to integrate into the growing Bondurant community and connect with students and staff is something that I am really looking forward to!”
Bennett holds a master’s degree in teaching from Morningside University, a bachelor’s degree in PK-6 education from the University of Northern Iowa, and an administration specialist degree from the University of South Dakota.
