Meet St. Anthony Catholic School’s New Administrators for the 2026-2027 School Year

May 26, 2026

DES MOINES, Iowa — St. Anthony Catholic School is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Nelson as its new principal and Taylor Reed as its new assistant principal for the upcoming school year. Together, this dynamic leadership team brings a wealth of educational expertise, a deep commitment to equity and diverse populations, and a shared passion for advancing the school’s unique faith-filled mission.

A Leader for Vulnerable Learners

Joseph Nelson joins St. Anthony with over 20 years of comprehensive leadership experience in Iowa education, serving as a superintendent, elementary administrator, activities director, and district homeless liaison. For the past six years, Nelson has served as the superintendent for the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows School District, where he successfully oversaw 175 employees and a diverse student body of more than 1,000 students, characterized by high percentages of migrant and economically vulnerable learners. 

Prior to his superintendency, Nelson spent a decade as an elementary administrator within the Southeast Polk Community School District, where his collaborative approach to school climate and academic rigor led his building to earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award in 2012.

"At St. Anthony, I plan to bring an unwavering commitment to student and staff success in a safe, Christ-centered learning environment," Nelson said. "St. Anthony has a rich history of success in our city spanning over a century. I’m excited to join that legacy of continuous improvement in helping students and employees reach their full potential.” 

Nelson holds an Education Specialist degree with superintendent licensure and a Master of Science in educational leadership from Drake University, as well as a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Iowa.

A Former St. Anthony Teacher Returning Home

Joining Nelson is St. Anthony’s new assistant principal, Taylor Reed. Taylor is a true product of Catholic education, attending Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools through 12th grade. Reed recently completed her administrator degree with financial assistance from the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools Office scholarship program. 

Reed spent her initial educator years as a second-grade teacher at St. Anthony, where she collaborated directly with teachers in the dual-language program to ensure equitable, high-quality instructional access across the student body.

Most recently, Reed has served as a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School in West Des Moines. There, she actively represented her peers on the K-8 School Leadership Team, led Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), served on the Tier II MTSS and Tier I PBIS data teams, and planned more than 10 school-wide faith formation events annually as part of the Spiritual Life Team. 

"I believe effective school leadership is rooted in service, strong relationships, and a clear focus on both student and staff success," Reed said. "It is an honor to return to St. Anthony Catholic School and contribute to a community that continues to shape and inspire my work as an educator."

Reed recently completed her Master of Arts in educational policy and leadership studies, securing her administration degree from the University of Iowa. Now, she’s coming full circle back to where her career began.

Treasured History and a Bright Future

Located in the heart of Des Moines, St. Anthony Catholic School is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and stands out as a beacon of academic innovation by offering the only Catholic dual-language education program in the Diocese of Des Moines.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe to St. Anthony Catholic School and to see Taylor advance her career in administration," said Donna Bishop, superintendent of schools. "Joe's extensive history of championing equity and student success combined with Taylor’s hands-on servant leadership and deep roots in the St. Anthony community makes them uniquely equipped to shepherd this historic school into its next century of excellence.”

Meet-and-greets with the new administrative team will be announced in the coming weeks, providing school staff, parents, parishioners, and community members an opportunity to welcome Nelson and Reed.

Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the diocese build Christ-centered partnerships to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students.

To learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools. To learn more about St. Anthony Catholic School, visit school.stanthonydm.org.