Positions filled for new school

The Catholic Free Press

    Associate Superintendent of Secondary Schools Michael J. Clark has been chosen to be the head of school and acting principal for the new combined central Catholic junior/senior high school - which has yet to be named.
    In a letter to faculty, staff and student families Friday, David Perda, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Worcester, announced new leadership positions. He said Bishop McManus has accepted the recommendations of the Catholic Schools Office senior administrative team and members of the Catholic School Board who interviewed and reviewed candidates.
    In December, Superintendent Perda announced the merger of St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School and Holy Name Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School, both in Worcester. A decision on the location of the new school is expected next month and a new name, mascot and colors are expected in June, the office has reported.
    “As many of you know, Mr. Clark has been the head of school for both schools for the past two years. He will have primary responsibility over the school’s curricular program and day-to-day operations, including staffing and budgeting,” Superintendent Perda said in his letter.
    Also chosen for the new school:
    Sandra Pollette will be assistant principal for ministry. Ms. Pollette is currently the assistant principal for student life at Holy Name. Reporting to the head of school, Ms. Pollette will provide leadership in the design, development and implementation of all ministry and formation initiatives for the school community.
    Timothy St. John will be the assistant principal for student life. Mr. St. John is the current assistant principal for student life at St. Peter-Marian. Reporting to the head of school, he will provide leadership in all aspects of student life and extra-curricular programming for grades 7–12.
    James Manzello has been named the new school’s athletic director. He is currently the athletic director for Holy Name. He will immediately begin working on defining the athletic schedule for the fall and lining up the coaching staff for the new school. The athletic director will report to the head of school and provide leadership on all school physical education, recreational and competitive athletic programming for grades 7-12.
    The Principal Selection Committee has recommended that the search for the principal’s position be opened to applicants from outside the school system, Superintendent Perda noted. Bishop McManus accepted the committee’s recommendation to broaden the search and to appoint Mr. Clark as acting principal for the fall semester.

BUILDING DECISION DUE IN MARCH

    All data required to make a decision on site selection has been provided to the Building Review Committee. The committee has been tasked with developing a recommendation for Bishop McManus. The members have expertise in construction, building maintenance, real estate, finances and business management.
    “That decision is still on track for early March,” Superintendent Perda said.
    Catholic education consultants from Meltier and Associates will be visiting both schools to talk with faculty, staff and student groups for additional input, following school vacation, he said.
    Superintendent Perda ended his letter with a word of encouragement for the 22 students from both schools who have been “coming together to help articulate the exciting future for this new school.”
    “They recently made an impromptu appearance at a basketball game,” he said, “and will be posting a video interview with members of their team on our social media sites. Hats off to the students at both schools for seizing this moment to help lead the way!”