On Thursday, the Ankeny Community School District will host its annual “Principal for a Day” event, inviting 20 local business and community leaders to experience the daily responsibilities of school principals and gain insight into education’s role in shaping workforce readiness. Participants will shadow principals across Ankeny schools, engage with students and administrators, and explore programs such as Orbis and upcoming district growth initiatives. “Innovation in education doesn’t just happen — it’s strengthened by the community around it,” Erick Pruitt, superintendent of Ankeny Community School District, said in a prepared statement. “Principal for a Day gives our partners a deeper understanding of what it takes to educate, support, and inspire students each day. We hope it also sparks new ideas for how we can continue to work together in support of our schools.”