Dallas Center-Grimes CSD is excited to announce the hiring of Matthew Blackmore as the next DCG High School Principal, pending DCG School Board approval.
With a strong background in educational leadership and a passion for student achievement, Matthew brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role.
Blackmore is currently the Director of Student Services at North Polk, a position he’s held for the last five years. Before joining North Polk, he was the Carlisle High School Principal from 2014 to 2020. He also has administrative experience at Ogden, Ankeny and Plainfield (Illinois). His journey in education started as a Special Education Teacher at Lockport Township High School in Illinois.
“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at Dallas Center-Grimes High School,” Blackmore shares. “This is a district where excellence comes alive. A place where creativity shines through. An environment that brings out the best in students and staff. Big things are on the horizon at DCG High School!”
Blackmore received his Bachelor’s in Special Education from Lewis University in 2001, followed by a Master’s in School Administration from Lewis in 2003. In 2012, he earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Iowa State University. Matthew has been a faculty member at Viterbo University since 2016, serving as an adjunct professor in the school of education.
“Matthew has a passion and a vision for public education and I am completely confident that he’s the perfect person to lead DCG High School,” says DCG CSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Blum. “He’s a proven leader with a rich history of student and staff achievement. DCG High School will be in great hands!”
At North Polk, Matthew oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes special education, English learners, school counselors, at-risk programs, and talented and gifted education. He has demonstrated a commitment to holistic student development through the implementation of a district-wide guiding coalition for social-emotional learning, securing a $100,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Education to support this initiative.
During his time in the Carlisle community, Matthew and the Wildcats were awarded High Performing and Breaking Barriers status by the Iowa Department of Education and cited by Governor Kim Reynolds for their achievements on the Iowa Assessments and for 90 percent proficiency among students of Hispanic descent. Additionally, the Carlisle Community School District was named a Model PLC at Work® district in both 2017 and 2018. North Polk received the same recognition in 2025.
Blackmore’s first day at DCG will be July 1.