On June 7, Bishop Alberto Rojas announced a new leadership structure for the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools that includes four new positions.
“Our openness to God’s love allows us to discover and embrace God-given gifts, in ourselves and in others, and to put these gifts at the service of others,” Bishop Rojas wrote in a statement announcing the new structure. “It is within this context that I wish to share with you the fruit of this stage of our discernment on the pending decisions that had to be completed regarding the new Diocesan Schools Leadership Team.”
The Office of Catholic Schools will be restructured according to a model based on shared leadership. It will consist of a leadership team that interrelates, dialogues, and shares expertise, experience, and resources. Within this new model, roles and responsibilities will be articulated according to the four domains described by the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA): Mission/Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Leadership and Governance, and Operational Vitality.
“The interviews with potential participants of the Office of Catholic Schools new structure have been a profound experience of humble joy,” Bishop Rojas wrote. “To recognize their gifts and willingness to put those gifts at the service of our diocese fills me with gratitude.”
Effective July 1, 2024, the head of this team will be the Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools. The person assigned to this ministry is Sister Cecilia Duran, ODN, a sister of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady. Sr. Duran comes with over 40 years of experience in education with 30 of those years in school leadership. Together with three specially selected team members, Sister Duran will give special attention to the area of Mission and Catholic Identity, as well as accompany the team members in each of the specific areas.
Nathan Hauser Arnold, M.Ed., has accepted the responsibility of being a member of the leadership team as Associate Director of Leadership and Management. He brings seven years of school leadership, over 17 years of teaching in a Catholic school and several years of experience in WCEA school accreditations.
Christine Hanna, M.Ed, has accepted the position of Associate Director of Academic Excellence. Hanna holds multiple subject credentials and has expertise in curriculum development, WCEA accreditation process, and school leadership. With mastery in these areas, she will be a valuable asset in enhancing educational standards and guiding schools through accreditation.
Edgardo Juarez, Masters in Pastoral Theology, has accepted the position of Associate Director of Mission and Catholic Identity. Juarez offers experience in journeying with young people at different levels and leadership at the national level.
Maria de Jesus Ramirez, will continue sharing her gifts in the Office of Catholic Schools as an Office Coordinator to continue serving our schools in the various programs.
“While this model is new to us,” Bishop Rojas wrote. “I feel that the commitment and desire to serve in a new way expressed by the Diocesan School Leadership Team members I have appointed will generate new life for our Catholic schools and, we will experience a renewed energy of A Past Beaming with a Life-filled Future.”