Six Catholic schools in the diocese will have new principals for the 2013-14 school year.
* Fran Barr, who had served as interim principal of St. Louis School, Pittsford, since January, will continue to serve on an interim basis through the next school year. Barr has served as principal of the Rochester Leadership Academy Charter School (2000-04), St. John of Rochester School (1999-2000) and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary School (1995-99). She also taught first, fifth and sixth grades at St. Louis (1986-95) and at several other public schools and a nursery school. From 2005-12, Barr served as the business manager of Saint’s Place Refugee Assistance and Child Care. She has a state certification in school administration and supervision from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Brockport and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio.
* Marty Martell became principal of Holy Cross School, Charlotte, July 1, replacing Kathy Dougherty, who retired. Martell has taught at Holy Cross since 2004 and became director of the school’s preschool program in 2008. She also has taught more than 18 years in other Catholic, public and private schools. She has a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in English literature, both from Nazareth College in Pittsford, and will continue her education at SUNY Brockport.
* Don Mills became Immaculate Conception School’s principal July 1, succeeding Diana Oravec, who stepped down after eight years in the position. Mills, a Southern Tier native, received a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. He served as principal of Ithaca High School (2009-11) and Niagara Wheatfield High School (2007-09); assistant principal at Williamsville South High School near Buffalo (2002-07); and science teacher at Cumberland Regional High School in Seabrook, N.J. (1991-2002). He also worked in 2012 as a financial advisor for AXA Equitable in Syracuse.
* Linda Moll, who has been an English language arts teacher for five years at St. Mary School in Canandaigua, was appointed principal of Brighton’s Seton Catholic School, replacing Anthony Cook, who became superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese. Moll also served as coordinator and then director of the religious-education program at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Ontario. She also taught in Silver Creek, Hannibal and Williamson. She has a bachelor’s degree in English education from Canisius College and a master’s degree in theology from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. She is currently enrolled in the Catholic Institute School Building Leadership Certification Program at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester.
* Susan Nedza became principal of St. Joseph School in Auburn July 1, succeeding Kathleen Coye. From 2008-13, Nedza served as a counselor and director of guidance at Bishop Grimes Junior-Senior High School in East Syracuse. Before that, she served as a school counselor at Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon, Vt., and as a counselor at Fulton Junior High School in Fulton. She also has extensive experience in building administration and strategic planning. Nedza earned a certification of advanced study and a state certification in educational administration (school district and building) from the SUNY Stony Brook and also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree and state certification in school counseling, and a certificate of advanced study in school counseling from SUNY Oswego.
* Mary Ellen Wagner, who was serving as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, was appointed as principal of St. Rita School in Webster, succeeding Mercy Sister Katherine Ann Rappl, who retired. Wagner has a school administrator certification from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree in special-needs education from SUNY Brockport. She also served as principal of Nazareth Middle School and Nazareth Academy from 2008-10 and principal of the former Holy Family School in Rochester from 2003-08. She has been a teacher at various levels and was a teacher-in-charge. Wagner is cochairwoman of the New York State Interdiocesan Curriculum Committee and serves as New York state representative for the National Catholic Educational Association’s Executive Committee for Elementary Schools and is a member of its Awards Selection Committee for distinguished teacher and distinguished principal for New York state.
Tags: Catholic Schools
