Dear Community of Trinity School at River Ridge, 

The Board of Trustees of Trinity Schools is delighted to announce that Mr. John Lee and Ms. Beth Schmitz will be returning to their roles as Heads of School for the 2023-2024 academic year. Mr. Lee will serve at Trinity School at Greenlawn in South Bend, Indiana, while Ms. Schmitz is returning to Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan, Minnesota.

Ms. Schmitz is a River Ridge alumna who began her teaching career at River Ridge in 2005. She has taught Latin, Scripture, Catholic doctrine, science and every math course in the Trinity curriculum. She served as head of school at River Ridge from 2017 until January of 2023. She has a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Minnesota at Morris.

Mr. Lee began his teaching career at Trinity School at River Ridge in 1996. In 2010, he moved to South Bend to become head of school at Greenlawn, a position he held until 2021. He has taught biology, chemistry, German, mathematics, Scripture and a variety of other courses during his more than 25 years as a faculty member, aside from coaching numerous Trinity soccer teams. He has a B.A. in German from Santa Clara University and a B.S. in biology from the University of Minnesota. John and his wife Mary (River Ridge ‘93) have four children, Henry (Greenlawn ‘22), Liam, Audrey and Elspeth.

Beth says, “Trinity School’s students and parents, faculty and staff, and many friends have been in my prayers during these past months. I am grateful and happy for the call to serve as head of school, and I look forward to working with all of you to provide Trinity’s students with an excellent classical, Christian education.”

John says, “I am humbled to be asked again to serve the Trinity School at Greenlawn community in this capacity as head of school. “

The Board of Trustees expresses its gratitude to Mr. Dennis Staffelbach and Mr. Steve

Hendrickson for serving as heads of school at Greenlawn and River Ridge during a very difficult year. Thank you, Dennis and Steve, for your loyalty and for your care for the students, faculty and families of Trinity Schools. 

The Board of Trustees is very grateful to Ms. Schmitz and Mr. Lee for agreeing to take on this service for Trinity Schools. Ms. Schmitz’ and Mr. Lee’s lengthy experience as Heads of School will add significant leadership capabilities to our schools. You can contact us at boardoftrustees@trinityschools.org with any questions or comments.

Thank you for your continued support of Trinity Schools.

Sam L. Claassen, Chair, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Trinity Schools