New administrator named for St. Francis School
March 20, 2023
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines announced new leadership for the 2022-2023 school year.
Jeffry G. Lynch will serve as the school administrator effective July 1. 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.
“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, pastor of St. Francis Parish.
Lynch brings a wealth of experience in Catholic school leadership with him as he moves into his new role. 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 head of the Social Studies Department and a teacher of AP Government, World History and United States History.
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.
“I am very excited to have Mr. Lynch join our diocesan team of leaders," shared Donna Bishop, superintendent of Schools. "I am confident in his ability to be a strong educational leader for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic 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. 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 innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students. To learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit dmdiocese.org/grow or email grow@dmdiocese.org.