Veteran educator chosen to lead Sioux Falls' O'Gorman High School

Dawn Hoeke to succeed longtime principal Joan Mahoney, who is retiring after 36 years.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Families connected to Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls will see new leadership in the 2026-27 school year, as veteran educator Dawn Hoeke steps in as principal. She brings superintendent and principal experience from South Dakota and North Dakota, succeeding longtime leader Joan Mahoney, who is retiring after 36 years.

Why it matters

O'Gorman High School is a prominent Catholic high school in Sioux Falls, and the transition in leadership will be significant for the school community. Hoeke's experience in education leadership in the region will be important as she takes over the role.

The details

Dawn Hoeke has been selected as the new principal of Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. She will succeed Joan Mahoney, who is retiring after 36 years in the role. Hoeke brings superintendent and principal experience from South Dakota and North Dakota to the position.

  • Dawn Hoeke will begin as principal in the 2026-27 school year.
  • Joan Mahoney is retiring after 36 years as principal.

The players

Dawn Hoeke

An experienced educator who has served as a superintendent and principal in South Dakota and North Dakota, Hoeke will take over as the new principal of Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls.

Joan Mahoney

The longtime principal of Bishop O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, Mahoney is retiring after 36 years in the role.

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The takeaway

The transition in leadership at O'Gorman High School represents a significant change for the school community, as Hoeke brings her extensive experience in education to the role and aims to build on the legacy of longtime principal Joan Mahoney.