DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools shared that former Superintendent Gary Wegenke died at 87 earlier this week.

Wegenke served as superintendent to DMPS from 1988 through 1998 and was a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year in 1994 during his tenure.

During his time he helped reduce the Des Moines district’s dropout rates from 10.5% to less than 4%, prioritized early childhood education, and helped increase the number of students placed in advanced classes. Wegenke also increased the number of computers in classrooms.

After leaving DMPS, Wegenke went to Western Michigan University, serving as dean of the College of Education and Human Development until retirement in 2010.

According to his obituary, Wegenke passed away on August 20. A memorial for Wegenke is being held on Sept. 2 in East Lansing, Michigan. In leiu of flowers, donations can be made to Canines for Chnage or The People’s Church.

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