New administrator named for St. Joseph Catholic School

March 30, 2023

St. Joseph Catholic School in Des Moines, announced new leadership for the 2023-2024 school year. Lynn Ernst will be the school administrator effective July 1.

Ernst holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Loras College, a Certificate in Catholic School Leadership, and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Creighton University.

"Ernst is a gifted educator and leader," said Donna Bishop, diocesan superintendent of Schools. "Her dedication to
Catholic education is a blessing to the entire St. Joseph community and the Diocese as a whole."

"I am excited to have Mrs. Lynn Ernst on board as principal administrator for St. Joseph's School. She has a
strong faith perspective, many years of experience in the Catholic school system, a wealth of ideas, and I
believe will work well with teachers, students, and parents," said Father Chris Fontanini, pastor. "We are very
blessed to have her."

With nearly three decades of expertise in education and a passion for Catholic schools, Ernst has taught in the
Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Diocese of Sioux City, the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul, and is currently
teaching in the Diocese of Des Moines at St. Anthony. As a natural leader and collaborator, she has mentored
new teachers while partnering with her peers to develop essential learnings, explore curricula, and promote
growth for faculty and students.

"Our Catholic schools are strong. They have a foundation that has endured challenges," said Ernst. "As an
innovative educational leader, I believe there are opportunities for me to help our faith community grow and
develop. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving the Diocese and the Des Moines Catholic
schools."

For over 70 years, St. Joseph Catholic School has served students in pre-kindergarten to 8th grade throughout
the greater Des Moines community by providing a high-quality academic and faith experience. Our students
thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually under the leadership of dedicated teachers who
combine excellence in education with their mission of creating disciples.

The Diocese of Des Moines includes 16 schools in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des
Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes
to provide students with innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation. To learn more about
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit dmdiocese.org/grow or email us.