On June 11, 2025, the Adel DeSoto Minburn (ADM) Community School District celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for its new high school, set to open for the 2027-28 school year. The event, held at the future site of the state-of-the-art facility, brought together leaders, educators, students, and project partners to mark the beginning of a transformative project for ADM students and the broader community. The ceremony featured four symbolic rounds of shovel-turning, representing the collaborative effort behind the new high school.
The first round included the ADM School Board; President Tim Canney, Vice President Nikki West, Melissa Dohlman, Bart Banwart, and Heith Hockenberry – joined by Superintendent Greg Dufoe, Assistant Superintendent Travis Wilkins, and Director of Buildings and Grounds Lucas Asche.
The second round featured representatives from Stahl Construction, FRK Architects, and Adel Mayor Jim Peters, highlighting the partnership between the district and the city. In the third round, High School Principal Lee Griebel, Activities Director Rod Wiebers, and veteran ADM teachers Molly Longman, Angie Gilliland, Charity Miller, Alex Reams, Sheri Storm, and Russ Braun participated, representing ADM’S administrators, teachers, and the district’s commitment to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and other activities.
The final round showcased the future of ADM: students Julie Holloway, Fletcher Adams, Alida Timmerman, Sage Livingston, Langston Wilkins, Nellie Hoodjer, Jack Leistikow, and Ella Subbert, who represent each of the four grade levels that will attend the new high school when it opens for the 2027-28 school year.
Speeches from ADM School Board President Tim Canney, Stahl Construction’s Christian McNiel, and Superintendent Greg Dufoe underscored the significance of the project. The new high school represents a bold investment in the future of ADM’s students and the community. Designed with modern educational needs in mind, it will serve as a hub for academic excellence and community pride.
Photos from the event capture the excitement of each shovel-turning group and the inspiring words of the speakers, preserving this day for the ADM community. Stay tuned for updates as construction progresses on this exciting project!
