The principal of Ankeny's Southeast Elementary School could be the district's new associate superintendent of schools, pending board approval later this month.

Bruce Kimpston, the district's assistant superintendent of organizational development and learning, is recommending Matt Adams fill his position once Kimpston steps in as superintendent on July 1.

Adams has been with the district since 2005.

"I am very excited to work with someone of the caliber of Dr. Kimpston as the Superintendent of our district, and I firmly believe the reason we exist is to attain high student academic achievement," Adams said in a press release issued by the district. "We want all students to achieve a lifetime of personal success, and I will definitely continue to focus on improvement."

Assuming the board approves Kimpston's recommendation, Adams also will begin his new role on July 1.

The decision follows the Ankeny school board's decision to promote Kimpston to the district's superintendent of schools at its regular meeting Monday. Kimpston is replacing current superintendent Matthew Wendt, who submitted his resignation last week.

Wendt has accepted a new position with Oswego School District in Oswego, Ill. His last day in Ankeny is June 30.

Prior to leading Southeast, Adams was the principal of East Elementary School. He began his career teaching second grade in Des Moines Public Schools, followed by three years as a principal for Lynnville-Sully Community School District.

In 2011, Adams was named one of the nation's outstanding graduate students in educational administration by the American Association of School Administrators. Only seven students nationwide were selected for this honor. Adams holds his doctorate degree from Drake University.

Kimpston said he is impressed by Adams' enthusiasm, adding he is a strong member of the district's administrative team.

"Many parents in the East and Southeast elementary areas know and appreciate Dr. Adams as a quality administrator," Kimpston said in the press release. "He has worked hard to position himself to be a leader, and I am pleased that we are again able to promote an outstanding candidate from within our organization."

Adams said he is honored to have this opportunity.

"I look forward to working closely with the high-quality leaders we have in our district and making an impact on our school system," Adams said.