Catholic Schools Office Staff

Luvern A. Gubbels, Ed.D :: Superintendent of Schools :: (515) 237-5013
The Superintendent of Schools assists the Bishop in all matters that pertain to his educational/formational ministry in Catholic Schools. The superintendent consults with the Bishop and the Chancellor on matters affecting the Catholic identity, policies and regulations, and personnel of the schools. In addition, the superintendent is responsible to the Iowa Department of Education for the enforcement of the accreditation standards for all the schools, serves as the Executive Officer of the Diocesan Catholic Schools Board and is the liaison between the Board and the local schools and confers with the diocesan attorney on legal matters. The Superintendent provides service to the school administrators, pastors with schools, and local boards of education.

Julie Melcher M.S.E. :: Director of Educational Services :: (515) 237-5015
The primary purpose is to assist the students and the schools of the Diocese of Des Moines in obtaining all allowable government programs and services. The director meets yearly with the designated personnel in each of the public school districts in which the diocese has a school to determine the amount and kind of services and funding that will be provided.

The Director of Educational Services assists the schools and their personnel with a variety of special programs including talented and gifted, counseling, technology, elementary school algebra and nursing services. In addition, the director arranges for various professional and religious development programs.

Denise Mulcahy, M.S.E. :: Director of Teaching and Learning :: (515) 237-5035
The Director of Teaching and Learning leads all efforts at K-12 school improvement. These efforts include overseeing the training and implementation of all required federal and state mandated educational programs. In addition, the director leads initiatives that are diocesan-wide as well as assisting principals in making local curricular and instructional decisions.

School improvement includes standards-driven education, assessment, instruction and professional development, data collection, analysis and management.

Darcie Tallman, B.A. :: Marketing Specialist :: (515) 237-5088
The Marketing Specialist focuses on creating awareness and providing a consistent, common, professional message regarding Catholic schools.  The Marketing Specialist engages the schools, administrators and local marketing teams throughout the Diocese as a partner with information and expertise to support promotional activity.

Sue Ann Strecker :: Administrative Secretary :: (515) 237-5013
The Administrative Secretary provides support for the Catholic Schools Office. The Administrative Secretary performs a wide variety of clerical and office activities and works closely with the schools to collect and distribute information.