Message from Administration/Clergy

Dear Parents, Students, and Staff:

My name is Scott Ehlinger and I am humbled and excited to be the Sacred Heart Principal.  I am looking forward to engaging in the work of ensuring spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical growth for all students at Sacred Heart.  I have been passionately involved in education for the past 20 years.    

Before joining Sacred Heart, I served in a variety of teaching and educational leadership roles with Ankeny, Cedar Falls, and the Milwaukee Public Schools.  Some of these roles include interim assistant principal, athletic director, instructional leadership team, PBIS internal coach, and coaching wrestling and football.  My academic background includes a B.A. and M.A. in physical education from Loras College as well as M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Iowa State University.

I grew up in Dubuque where I attended Catholic schools first grade through graduate school.  Currently, I live in Ankeny with my wife Sarah and our two beautiful children: Michael (11th grade) and Josephine (8th grade).  We are members of OLIH in Ankeny.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my children’s events, running, traveling, anything Hawkeyes, and attempting home improvement projects.

You will find that I care deeply for the students, staff, and families that I serve.  The breadth and scope of this commitment has been evident throughout my professional career.  It is an honor to serve as principal for a school with such a tremendous reputation for excellence.  I look forward to working with all of you.

My name is Susan Battani, and I am thrilled to be the Assistant Principal at Sacred Heart School. I am passionate about providing a faith-based education that encompasses the children's spiritual, academic, and emotional growth. I love being a part of the welcoming and safe community that Sacred Heart provides.

I have my B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa with reading and language arts endorsements. I earned my M.S. in Educational Leadership and Catholic School Leadership Certificate from Creighton University. Previously, I taught 1st grade in the West Des Moines school district, preschool in a private preschool, and Kindergarten at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School in Ankeny. I have served in many leadership roles including new teacher mentoring, PBIS coach, technology lead, and Student Support Team leader.

I grew up in Ankeny but now live in Urbandale with my family. I have a very supportive husband, Jason, as well as three children: Jessica (married to Will), Emily (choir teacher in Ankeny), and Kyle (attends Drake). We also have a dog, Cody. I spend most of my spare time with my family. I love to take walks, bake, and be outside. We belong to St. Mary of Nazareth Parish and are very involved there as well.

I look forward to another school year and building on the solid community and reputation for excellence that Sacred Heart has established.

Blessings,

Susan Battani