Discover the Difference: Diocese welcomes three new administrators

June 14, 2023

The Diocese of Des Moines welcomed three new school administrators for the 2023-2024 school year. Paulette Neuhalfen will be the school administrator at Holy Family Catholic School, Jeffry Lynch will be the school administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, and Lynn Ernst will be the school administrator at St. Joseph Catholic School, effective July 1.. 

Paulette Theisen Neuhalfen, Holy Family Catholic School

Neuhalfen holds a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance from Briar Cliff College, a Master of Science in Education from Wayne State College, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Creighton University. She brings 30 years of experience in PK-12 and college education to the role. Most recently, she served as administrator at Gross Catholic High School in Bellevue, Nebraska, where she facilitated professional learning communities, expanded dual enrollment and AP course offerings, implemented academic academies in Health Sciences and STREAM careers, secured funding for distance learning, began work on a dual language academy, and oversaw school improvement initiatives. Previously, she held roles as a Catholic elementary school administrator, college athletic director, development director, head volleyball coach, and admissions director. This spring she was nominated as Administrator of the Year in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

"Paulette is a gifted leader who understands the many dimensions of Catholic school leadership," said Donna Bishop, superintendent of Schools. "Her experience not only as a PK-12 administrator and educator but her background in institutional advancement will greatly benefit the faculty, students, parents and supporters of the Holy Family School community."

For more than 40 years, Holy Family Catholic School has provided an education marked by excellence and rooted in the teachings of Christ. Supported by five parishes in the Diocese of Des Moines, Holy Family, and its supporters are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment that celebrates the diversity of its students. 

Jeffry Lynch, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School

Lynch holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Simpson College and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University. He brings nearly three decades of expertise in education to the role and a passion for Catholic schools. He served as principal of St. Mary High School in Independence, Missouri where he initiated a dual credit program with Rockhurst University. Before moving to Missouri, Lynch served in the Diocese of Des Moines as the assistant athletic director and a social studies teacher at Dowling Catholic High School. Most recently, Lynch worked at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he served as the Social Studies department head and a teacher of AP Government, World History and United States History.

“With his love for Catholic education and years of experience, we are excited to have Mr. Lynch lead St. Francis School for years to come,” said Father Joseph Pins, parish pastor.

In addition to his work in promoting academic excellence through programming innovation, Lynch has extensive experience in securing operational vitality through Catholic school development, budgeting and sound fiscal management. He is also known for his ability to build relationships and engage stakeholders in the mission of the school.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, a two-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, serves more than 750 students from preschool through eighth grade. St. Francis provides an outstanding education in an environment that fosters the development of children’s Catholic faith and deepens their love of God. Students excel in a safe, nurturing environment under the leadership of faith-filled, caring, and professional faculty and staff.

Lynn Ernst, St. Joseph Catholic School

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. With nearly three decades of expertise in education and a passion for Catholic schools, Ernst has taught in the Diocese 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.

"I am excited to have Mrs. Lynn Ernst on board as principal administrator for St. Joseph 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."

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. Its 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 grow@dmdiocese.org.