In June 2024, Notre Dame High School, Riverside, received a new Executive Director of School Development, Dr. Christopher Barrows and a new principal, Manuel Cardoza, M.A., for the 2024-25 school year.
In a continuing effort to support Catholic schools of the Diocese, Bishop Alberto Rojas reopened the position of Executive Director of School Development at Notre Dame High School. Dr. Barrows, current president of Aquinas High School, San Bernardino, was appointed to serve in the same position at Notre Dame, concurrently. With this joint model, it is Bishop Rojas’ intention to foster a wise use of resources, continue to strengthen the presence of Catholic high schools in the community, and to continue promoting the high standards of Catholic identity and academic excellence. Dr. Barrows brings the experience of 24 years of service in a variety of roles at the high school level, notably 14 years as the principal of Aquinas followed by 3 years as the president. In this new position, Dr. Barrows will continue the good work he has done at Aquinas while bringing his experience to Notre Dame and assist with renewal and growth at both schools, reads an announcement of his hiring.
“We have had tremendous success at Aquinas, and I look forward to the all of the good things that we will have the opportunity to do at Notre Dame,” Barrows said.
After a lengthy discernment and interview process, the Diocesan Board of Education and Welfare, with Bishop Rojas, announced that Manuel Cardoza, MA, will be the next principal of Notre Dame High School. Cardoza had ministered as a priest of the diocese from 2009 until this year when he submitted his petition to be laicized from the clerical state Cardoza was chosen because of his Catholic identity, his history of excellent leadership skills as well as his background in formal and informal education, rapport with youth, and his general management and fiscal management skills, his announcement states.
“I’m excited and humbled to be chosen,” Cardoza said. “I feel like we’re going to make the efforts to ensure that students feel supported not only in academics but in their life outside of school.”
Notre Dame High School’s new leadership team announcement comes after the resignation of longtime principal, RaeAnna Ashton, who gave 13 years of service and dedication to the Notre Dame community. The Diocese thanks Ashton for her service and wishes her great success in her future.
Notre Dame High School was recently received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and with these recent accreditations, there is a clear plan to move the school forward in all areas, including Catholic identity, academics, community, administration and finances.
“The impact that we can have on young people and their faith, everyday, is crucial to the future of not only the Catholic Church, but our society as a whole,” said Barrows. “I am thrilled to be able to be a part of that.”