St. Pius X Catholic School Announces New Asst. Administrator for the 2022-23 School Year

February 17, 2022

St. Pius X Catholic Parish and School, located at 3601 66th Sreet in Urbandale, is pleased to announce that Mrs. Jordan Blackburn will be its new assistant administrator for the 2022-2023 school year. Blackburn brings nearly a decade of experience in education to the role, having served as a classroom teacher in both public and Catholic schools, a childcare coordinator, and a Catholic Youth Camp counselor. In addition, she has served as a middle school mathematics teacher for the last four years at St. Augustin Catholic School.

"I love helping students discover their God-given talents and guide them in overcoming obstacles. Middle school is such a fun age. Every day is different, exciting, and keeps me on my toes," said Blackburn.

Blackburn is a product of Catholic education and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2014. After high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education with a minor in mathematics from Northwest Missouri State University. She will complete her Master of Science in Educational Leadership (K-12) from Northwest Missouri State University in May 2022.

"Jordan is hardworking, positive, organized, and flexible - all qualities necessary to being a successful school leader," shared Kristel Spike, administrator at St. Augustin Catholic School in Des Moines. "She is a natural leader who is ready to take on new challenges. Although we will miss her as a classroom teacher at St. Augustin, she will be a blessing to the St. Pius X School community, and we couldn't be happier for her!"

"Jordan will bring great experience in working with students and families in a Catholic school setting. She has expertise in ensuring all students and educators are supported and have strategies to promote a love of learning, academic achievement, and problem-solving, all rooted in our Catholic faith," said Alex Baranosky, St. Pius X administrator. "Her passion for education and the Catholic faith will bring great excitement to the St. Pius community."

Blackburn will assume her role as St. Pius X Catholic School assistant administrator on July 1, 2022.

St. Pius X Catholic School, founded in 1956, serves students in preschool through eighth grade. Building on the foundation of Catholic values, St. Pius X Catholic School provides students the opportunity for spiritual growth, the development of moral character, and academic success.

The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties 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 innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students. To learn about more Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools or email ExpectMore@dmdiocese.org.