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CATHOLIC EDUCATION

New principals bring public school experience

Two former public school superintendents are looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of leading Catholic high schools.

Eva Joseph recently retired from her position as superintendent of schools for the Albany City School District. She is now campus president at the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany, a private Catholic school serving girls in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

Mike Sandore recently retired as superintendent of the Lyncourt Union Free School District in the Syracuse area. He has been hired as principal of Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady, a diocesan school serving children in grades six through 12.

"I'm looking forward to bringing my many years of public school experience to a Catholic school," Mr. Sandore said. "I grew up in Catholic schools."

Dr. Joseph, a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Albany, said her faith has often sustained her during her 32-year career in public schools. She now looks forward to working in a school system that teaches young women how to become Christian leaders. 

"So often I looked to my own faith for strength," she said. "Knowing it's the mission of the school to cultivate values in female leaders is a blessing for me."

A third public school superintendent, Annemarie Barkman has become head of school at Bishop Maginn High in Albany.

Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, said having these public school administrators involved in Catholic school education is a good opportunity for the diocesan schools, as well as for private schools like the Academy of the Holy Names. 

"These leaders bring a wealth of information with them," Sister Jane said. "Given their lifetime of experience in public school education, the schools will certainly benefit."

There are many differences between public and Catholic school education. One of the biggest is funding. 

"The funding is different," Mr. Sandore said. "On the public side revenue is based on state aid and taxes. The Catholic school revenue source is development and tuition."

Despite the source of the money, the budget process is similar for both public and Catholic schools, Dr. Joseph said. "A public school budget has to be planned and strategic. Both schools have to have quality solutions to finance issues. Educators always have to be mindful of what we spend. Budgets are always challenging." 

Another difference between leading a Catholic school versus a public school is recruitment. During his public school career, Mr. Sandore didn't have to recruit students; aside from those who chose private schools, most of those within the district boundaries simply came to the classroom and sat down. Now attracting students will be one of his priorities at ND-BG.

He said he is looking forward to the challenge. ND-BG has the opportunity to offer programs and small class sizes that many public schools can't. He also said the facility will help attract students. "The building is in great shape," he said.

Dr. Joseph's job at Holy Names will be somewhat different than her previous jobs. 

As campus president, she will oversee long-term planning, fiscal management, alumni affairs, board leadership, institutional advancement, Catholic identity, public representation and development efforts.

Holy Names will celebrate its 125 anniversary this year. "I'm enthusiastic about being here at this time," she said.

For more information on Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, visit www.nd-bg.org. For information on the Academy of the Holy Names, visit www.ahns.org.

(08/27/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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