Three Diocese of Rochester Catholic schools and one affiliated school will have new principals for the 2026-27 school year.
Joseph Gaudio, who previously taught math at Rochester’s Aquinas Institute, became principal at St. Lawrence School in Greece May 26. Gaudio initally worked alongside Ann Marie Deutsch, who served as the school’s interim principal after the previous principal, Crystal Criticos, stepped down in January.
Keith Prather, a longtime teacher at St. Michael School in Penn Yan, became the school’s principal Aug. 3. He will continue teaching this school year, and outgoing principal Tracy Marchionda will continue part time to provide support and guidance for Prather.
David Barry has been named principal of St. Ambrose Academy in Rochester, replacing Andrea Milgate, who was the school’s principal since 2023.
One privately operated Catholic school affiliated with the Diocese of Rochester also will have a new principal. Mary Martell, who had been principal at Irondequoit’s Bishop Kearney High School before moving out of state to be near family, has returned to the area and has been named principal of Rochester’s Nazareth Elementary School. Martell replaces Rhonda Neal, who was the school’s principal since 2024.
Additionally, the Diocese of Rochester’s Department of Catholic Schools has named Margaret Wilsey as its new coordinator of assessment and professional growth. Wilsey will work with all diocesan Catholic schools and replaces Patty Selig, who retired in June.
Tags: Catholic Schools
