Cade Lambert began as superintendent of Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale on July 1, after being selected by the school’s board in a national search. A Kansas native, Lambert developed a strong work ethic and Christian values while growing up on his family’s wheat farm. Lambert is returning to Des Moines Christian School after leading a Christian school in Minnesota for the past six years. He first joined DMCS in 2004 as the school’s elementary principal and worked in that role for four years. As superintendent of Des Moines Christian School, Lambert will help lead a capital campaign to complete a 42,000-square-foot addition to the school that will house STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) labs, a fine arts hall and collaborative learning spaces, along with renovation of existing spaces for a health and wellness facility and MakerSpaces. Founded in 1948, Des Moines Christian School now serves about 1,000 children from age 2 through 12th grade. 
 
How early did you decide on a career in education? 
Self-admittedly, my view of the world was pretty small growing up in Kansas. I remember going to my high school principal and saying, “If I wanted to do your job, how would I do that from an education standpoint?” I just had this desire to be in leadership and just really started very quickly on my education, and jumped into graduate school as quickly as possible. I quickly realized that summers off drove me crazy and that I needed more structure than that — being an administrator would fill that need, too. 

What were some of the highlights of leading New Life Academy in Minnesota?  
It was my first chance at being kind of the chief executive of an organization. I had the opportunity to work with a really gifted board who had a lot of leadership capacity as well. The heart of a school’s mission is its faculty; I thought we were able to develop a stronger faculty culture. We also had a $6 million capital campaign and did about a 30,000-square-foot addition and a significant remodel as well. That was something that was really fun to be a part of. 

How did you first connect with Des Moines Christian School? 
I was just finishing my graduate degree and decided to apply for some jobs; I had gone to a private school for college, so I loved that experience and I loved the faith community, the synergy around the mission. It wasn’t in my plan; my plan was to be a public school administrator. Little did I know it would be just the fit that would help me find my purpose and something I really wanted to commit to. 

Was this latest expansion preceded by a capital campaign? 
I’ve been involved in two major campaigns, and neither one of them have been textbook so far. This was kind of something that flowed out of the (recently completed) stadium project. That really inspired a donor to come forward who said, ‘I really want to see that phase two happens, and I want to see it happen quickly.’ He said, ‘We’ll build the building, if you’ll just furnish it.’ We are now actively beginning our fundraising efforts to furnish it and to complete the remodel. We’re seeking to raise around $4 million. 

What are your top priorities in your first year or two? 
The capital campaign is certainly one. Another priority is to make sure we have proper role development of my leadership and the board’s leadership. We’ll be developing a new strategic plan; we hope to have that approved along with a strategic financial plan by the end of the year. We want to make sure we’re actually able to fund our dreams and not just dreaming them, which is a big deal. 

What is the biggest challenge facing Christian schools? 
I think it’s like a lot of businesses — it’s the ability to deliver your mission and use your resources carefully, wisely, and to constantly be mindful of your future and investing in it as well. I think if we provide a great product and service for our families, there will always be a demand for that. 

Are there graduates who are now teaching or are parents? 
Yes, and that’s really special. That really demonstrates a multigenerational commitment or impact. The school has had enough of an impact that they now choose to send their own children here or work here. I get goosebumps when I think about that, because that’s really impactful. 

Hobbies? 
I like the outdoors — camping and hiking. Minnesota was great for that. I used to be into fly fishing and I tied my own flies. Now that my kids are getting older, there’s a lot more possibility of actually taking them.