Our History
Saint Richard Catholic School is a parish-based Pre-K3 through 6th grade Catholic elementary school, dedicated to the tenets of Academic Excellence, Character Development and Faith Formation. Our school was founded in 1953 three nuns from the Sisters of Mercy. Throughout the years, leadership changed, enrollment increased, and our campus grew to include more classrooms, a STREAM lab, music room, gymnasium, and a robust community.
In 2024, we purchased the former Meadowbrook Church of Christ campus, and one year later, we completed a state-of-the-art renovation. We were thrilled to start the 2025-26 school year on our brand new campus, and we are committed to continue investing in the city of Jackson and ensuring that St. Richard remains a beacon of academic excellence and a nurturing environment for all students.
Leadership
Father Joe Tonos, Pastor
Fr. Joe Tonos is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and fiercely proud of his Lebanese heritage. He's a graduate of Delta State University and spent a short time in the business sector before following a calling to the priesthood. After graduating from Mundelein Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Jackson in 1994. In the past, he has served as director of youth ministries and vocations for the diocese and was appointed as the pastor of St. John's in 2004.
Father Andrew Bowen, Associate Pastor
Fr. Andrew Bowden is from Brandon, Mississippi. After graduating from Brandon High School, he began priestly formation. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana then attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he earned a Masters in Divinity. He was ordained in the spring of 2022. Saint Richard’s parish and school is his first priestly assignment.
Russ Nelson, Principal
A native of Vicksburg, Russ Nelson is a proud graduate of Mississippi State University and earned his Master’s in School Administration from Mississippi College in 2025.
Mr. Nelson joined Saint Richard Catholic School in 2022 and has since devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving its students, families, and staff. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and the spiritual growth of the entire school community.
He and his wife, Kimberly, are the proud parents of two daughters, Raegan and Marilee, both students at Saint Richard. Mr. Nelson considers it a true honor and blessing to serve as Principal of Saint Richard Catholic School.
Rose Ball, Assistant Principal
Rose Ball, a lifelong Catholic educator and proud member of St. Richard Parish, serves as Assistant Principal at St. Richard School. She began her teaching career in 2013 and remains passionate about helping students grow in both faith and learning.
Rose holds degrees in Anthropology and Special Education from the University of Mississippi, a Master’s in Education from Simmons College in Boston, and an Educational Specialist degree in School Leadership from William Carey University. She is also National Board Certified in Special Education.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The Saint Richard School Advisory Council (SAC) is a ministerial agency of St. Richard Parish and its pastor which serves in an advisory capacity under the authority granted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson. The SAC meets monthly and is charged with promoting St. Richard Catholic School by working with the Principal and Pastor to strengthen all aspects of the School.
2025-2026 SAINT RICHARD SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
President: Anne Stanton
Immediate Past President: Patrick Crews
Vice-President: Robert Metzger
Secretary: Suzanne Rutherford
Chair of Finance: Andrew Fox
Chair of Building and Grounds: Amy Boteler
Chair of Institutional Advancement: Jen Hospodor
Chair of Policy and Planning: Steve Montagnet
Members at-Large:
Temekia Jackson
Richelle Owens
Antoine Barlow
Nick Morisani
Ex-Officio Non-Voting Members:
Fr. Joe Tonos, Pastor St. Richard Church
Russ Nelson, Principal St. Richard School
Beth Nunley, Parent Association President
Susan Eastus, Parent Association Vice President
Andrew Ueltschey, Cardinal Men’s Club President
Ryan Nunley, Cardinal Men's Club Vice President
