Dear John Paul II Catholic School Families,

It is with great joy and gratitude that we share an important leadership announcement for the 2026–2027 school year at John Paul II Catholic School.

After thoughtful discernment about the needs of our school community, we are excited to announce a leadership model that we believe will serve our students, families, and staff well. For the coming school year, John Paul II Catholic School will be led by a Mentor Principal / Head of School team.

We are pleased to share that Mrs. Brenda Mitzel has been hired as Mentor Principal and Mrs. Katrina Hostler has been hired as Head of School. Together, they bring a deep love for Catholic education, a strong commitment to the mission of our school, and a wealth of experience and knowledge.

As Head of School, Mrs. Hostler will provide leadership for the daily life of the school, including day-to-day operations, Catholic culture, communication with families and stakeholders, and instructional leadership. She will serve as the primary contact for the school and will work closely with students, staff, and families throughout the year.

Mrs. Hostler brings valuable gifts to this role, and we are grateful for her willingness to serve the John Paul II community in this important way. Prior to spending the last year as sixth grade teacher at our school, Mrs. Hostler she taught high school Family and Consumer Sciences and social studies, as well as middle school science, at Ethan School for 14 years. She also served as advisor of the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and implemented both the Teens as Teachers and Educators Rising chapters, inspiring students to explore careers in education while developing leadership and mentorship skills. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and her Master’s in Education at Dakota Wesleyan University.

As Mentor Principal, Mrs. Mitzel will retain responsibility for the mission of John Paul II Catholic School, school governance, personnel supervision, legal and diocesan compliance, and the mentorship and support of Mrs. Hostler.

Mrs. Mitzel brings 35 years of Catholic school experience, including service as a classroom teacher and principal at Aberdeen Roncalli, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. As a member of the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education Diocesan Leaders Academy, Mrs. Mitzel has been at the forefront of implementing Bishop Donald DeGrood’s vision that all Catholic schools throughout the diocese transition to a Catholic Liberal Arts Education model.

Her wisdom, leadership, and faithful dedication to Catholic education will be a tremendous blessing to our school community.

Together, Mrs. Hostler and Mrs. Mitzel are excited to lead John Paul II Catholic School into the future, building on its long history of excellence while helping students pursue truth, beauty, and goodness through an authentic Catholic Liberal Arts education.

Above all, they desire to come alongside you as parents, whom we recognize as the primary educators of your children. Their hope is not only to provide strong academic formation, but also to help form the whole person—heart, mind, body, and soul. Students will grow into young people who are articulate and thoughtful, humble and courageous, joyful and wise by cultivating wonder, curiosity, and a love for learning.  Each child will be challenged to pursue excellence, think deeply, and become a lifelong disciple of Christ.

Thank you for the trust you place in John Paul II Catholic School. It is a privilege to partner with you in the education and formation of your children. On behalf of Mrs. Hostler and Mrs. Mitzel, we look forward to walking together with your family in the coming year.

In Corde Iesu,

Fr. Yamato Icochea
Pastor and School Superintendent
St. John Paul II Catholic School