Groundbreaking: Preschool Construction Underway at St. Francis of Assisi

by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | September 4, 2026

The entire student body of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School spilled out of the school on Friday, August 28. They giggled, adjusted their uniforms, and joined in prayer to bless the start of a major project now underway at their school.

The day marked the official groundbreaking ceremony for the school's long-anticipated campus expansion, part of the broader parish Rebuild My Church initiative. The highlight for the youngest learners? Four brand-new preschool classrooms that will tether the little ones directly into the main school building and its integrated safety grid.

Fr. Alex Kramer gathered the crowd under the summer sky to offer a blessing, reminding everyone that while dirt is moving today, the goal remains an eternal investment in the children’s spiritual and academic future.

"All-powerful and all-merciful Father, bless this ground which we break today that it may bear fruit for your kingdom. Bless those who will labor on this ground. Grant patience upon those impacted by this construction that it may become a means by which we can grow in virtue and holiness.”

The school administrators saw renderings of the new classrooms months ago, but seeing the kids gathered to watch the groundbreaking turned abstract schematics into a tangible celebration.

"Walking out there and seeing the kids huddled together was pretty surreal," said Administrator Jeff Lynch. "We've seen the drawings, but you see all the students out here together, and soon they will be fully connected under one roof. Right now, our preschoolers feel a little tucked away. Connecting them directly to our hallways means they get to experience the full pulse of our community every single day."

Beyond bringing the early childhood programs into the physical heart of the school, the construction will unlock domino-effect upgrades inside the building. Former preschool rooms will be converted into spaces for parish gatherings and youth faith formation. The church is also building a new adoration chapel, upgrading meetings spaces, and expanding the kitchen.

Assistant Administrator Jodi Halligan couldn't hide her excitement when talking about how the construction will change daily school life for faculty and students alike.

"As this project finally gets underway, the energy in the building is just infectious," Halligan said. "Preschool is the first introduction many of our families have to St. Francis school. Our teachers will continue offering the same, high-quality education grounded in the Catholic faith, but now they’ll truly be under one roof, one system, all the way through eighth grade.”

Two days later, three iconic pieces of St. Francis—the small bell, the statue of St. Francis, and the stone from Assisi—were carefully removed and placed in storage, awaiting their permanent homes.

While heavy machinery will be a regular fixture on Ashworth Road over the coming months, the school leadership emphasizes that the temporary dust will yield decades of benefits. For now, students are content watching the dirt move and waiting for the day the red ribbons are cut on their new front doors.