Regan, Catholic school leaders welcome new superintendent

LYNN – St. Mary’s Head of School Grace Cotter Regan joined high school leaders from across the Boston Archdiocese for the 2015 Catholic High School Leadership Summit, held at Boston College High School.The event was organized for leaders to meet Superintendent of Catholic Schools Kathleen Power Mears and learn about her strategic objectives and vision. Mears, who was appointed by Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley in July, most recently served as executive director for elementary schools with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Elementary Schools Department. She replaces Mary Grassa O’Neill, the first lay superintendent in the archdiocese. Mary Moran served as the temporary administrator until Mears began her tenure on Sept. 15.Regan joined BC High President William Kemeza to introduce Mears.”One of the most refreshing conversations I recently participated in was a conversation with Bill Kemeza and Kathy as we prepared for today,” said Regan. “We talked about the differentiation of our schools and the demographic and financial challenges each of our schools face: enrollment, shrinking demographics, teacher quality, access, affordability, resource development and sustainability. While some of us are independent, others sponsored by an order or part of a network, our shared mission is to provide an opportunity and resources for students to attend our schools. We are all called to remember our mission and explore new opportunities for collaboration and strategic thinking. Our hope is that today will ignite a new dialogue about how we work together to advance the mission of Catholic education.”Mears said her top priority will be establishing and affirming the Catholic identity component of Catholic education.”When you say Catholic education, or Catholic school, the first word out of your mouth is Catholic. We are not going to run away from that,” Mears said. “All we have to do is think, ?how can we do this differently?’ The first difference is you’re Catholic, and we’re developing saints and scholars.”During the summit, leaders had the opportunity to network and form new relationships with each other, as well as with Mears. In addition to St. Mary’s, more than 20 other high schools were represented, including St. John’s Prep and Pope John. The Archdiocese represents the second-largest educational system in the Commonwealth, educating more than 40,000 students.