Meet the Principal

Mr. Deryl Maxwell accepted the Call to serve as principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School, beginning his new role in June 2025. After serving as principal of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School since 2021, Mr. Maxwell returns to St. Paul's, where he previously dedicated 18 years as a teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal from 2003 to 2021.

 

A Topeka, Kansas native who graduated from high school in 1980, Mr. Maxwell earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education with a minor in Physical Education from Concordia Teacher's College in Seward, Nebraska, in 1985. He later completed his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, Irvine, in 1996. With more than 40 years of experience in Lutheran education, he has served effectively in multiple capacities as teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal.

 

Mr. Maxwell actively contributes to the broader Lutheran education community, serving on the Lutheran Education Association Board of Directors and working as a WASC/National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Consultant, where he helps schools achieve excellence in their educational programs.

 

He is married to Susan, who contributed 35 years to Lutheran education and concluded her teaching career at St. Paul's. Their son Joe works as general manager for an engineering firm and is married to Cassidy; they have a daughter, Ruby. Their daughter Liz teaches 4th grade at Portland Christian School and is married to Kevin Hohnstadt, lead pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Happy Valley, Oregon. Liz and Kevin have three daughters: Charlotte, Lucille, and Margaret.

 

Known affectionately as "Girl Gramps," Mr. Maxwell brings both professional expertise and strong family values to his leadership role at St. Paul's Lutheran School.