St. Anthony’s is pleased to announce Joseph Nelson as our new principal and Taylor Reed as our 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.
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.
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.
In the near future, an Open House will be held where the parishioners can meet Joe and Taylor.
Again, we are pleased to welcome this dynamic team to our community.
Fr. Michael
