Jerry Deegan, president of Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines since 2000, announced he will retire next fall. Deegan’s career in education has spanned 45 years, 40 of those on Dowling’s faculty and staff. He began his career at Dowling as an English teacher in 1972. “Our family has benefited in countless ways from being part of this community, and we are blessed by the relationships we have developed through the years,” Deegan wrote in a letter to parents. “In retirement, I look forward to traveling and spending time with my family and our wonderful grandchildren.” A search committee will begin work immediately to identify candidates for the position, with plans to select a new president by May 1.