St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Announces New Assistant Principal
May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025, West Des Moines, IA — St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is pleased to announce Jodi Halligan as the new assistant principal for the 2025-2026 school year. Halligan brings over 16 years of experience as an educational leader in schools serving students in preschool through 8th grade.
As principal of St. Joseph Catholic School, Halligan implemented a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), organized a student intervention team, and helped teachers implement effective behavioral and crisis prevention interventions. She led a revamp of the existing positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) system and built a data-driven instructional coaching schedule to support professional development. She also led a building leadership team that guided the implementation of pandemic protocols and played a key role in securing $6.7 million in donations for a capital campaign.
Before becoming a principal, Halligan taught third grade at St. Pius X Catholic School, where she tailored teaching techniques to meet diverse student needs and served as a grade-level team leader. Halligan is currently director of development for the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa, where she develops strategies for planned giving and builds relationships with donors.
"I am thrilled to return to a school administrator setting," said Halligan. "I look forward to supporting the faith-based educational program at St. Francis of Assisi and working with the students, families, and staff to continue building a strong faith community."
Halligan earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Creighton University and is passionate about empowering educators and students to reach their full potential.
"We are excited to welcome Jodi back to our team," said Donna Bishop, superintendent of schools. "Her extensive leadership experience and dedication to Catholic education will be a valuable asset to the St. Francis of Assisi school community."
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves approximately 750 students in grades PS-8. The assistant principal supports the principal in developing and implementing the faith-based educational program and helps lead and promote a strong faith community.
"The parish community of St. Francis of Assisi warmly welcomes Jodi Halligan," said Fr. Joseph Pins, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. "We look forward to working together to strengthen the vital partnership between our parish and school, ensuring that St. Francis of Assisi continues to be a place where faith and learning thrive."
A meet-and-greet with parents and parishioners will be held after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on May 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
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. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, visit www.sfawdm.org/.