The Marshalltown Community School District is excited to announce Oscar Cardenas as the new principal of Woodbury Elementary School, beginning July 1, 2025.
Cardenas brings a deep background in education, bilingual learning, and student support to the role. He began his career as a bilingual paraprofessional in Storm Lake, Iowa, before earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Social Work from Buena Vista University. His journey then took him to Athens, Georgia, where he taught both 3rd and 5th grade in the Clarke County School District while completing a Master of Social Work degree.
Following his time in the classroom, Cardenas worked for the Georgia Department of Education as an Adolescent Outreach Specialist for the Migrant Education Program. In that role, he provided guidance to middle and high school students as they explored post-secondary options, including organizing college visits and launching a college summer camp experience for middle schoolers. He also earned his English Language Learners (ELL) endorsement during this time.
After returning to Iowa, Cardenas served as an ELL teacher at Miller Middle School in Marshalltown for five years. Most recently, he has spent six years as associate principal at Hiatt Middle School in Des Moines Public Schools.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Marshalltown and honored to have the opportunity to lead the incredible work happening at Woodbury Elementary,” said Cardenas. “I still have many strong connections here, and it's inspiring to see the continued dedication to the students of MCSD. I'm especially excited to support all students as they build confidence in academic reading and writing in both English and Spanish, take pride in our rich multicultural environment, and strive for high academic achievement.”
Cardenas is committed to growing a culture of self-efficacy among students and staff. As he re-joins the Marshalltown community, he is focused on building strong partnerships with families and educators to ensure every student thrives both socially and academically.
Cardenas and his wife Andrea, who is completing a master’s degree in therapy, have two children: Emma, who lives in Baltimore and recently graduated from college, and Adrian, who graduated from high school last year. In his free time, Cardenas enjoys hiking with his dog, CrossFit, running, and working on cars.
As he steps into this new role, Cardenas is ready to Embrace The Lead at Woodbury Elementary and continue building on the school’s tradition of excellence and community pride.
Please join MCSD in welcoming Oscar Cardenas as the new Principal of Woodbury Elementary School.