Pastor’s Pen — November 9, 2025

Last Monday, November 3, we introduced a “leadership transition team” for St. James School. Our former principal, Mr. Gregg Boehmer, resigned his position on Friday, October 31 as I reported in last week’s bulletin column. Our approach to recruiting for a new principal for the school involves two steps.

The first step, announced Monday, November 3, was to put a “leadership transition team” of two retired principals and our most senior teacher in place. This team will operate as “interim principal” for the remainder of this school year, ending in May 2026.

Many of you know Mrs. Karen Snapp, who is the teacher with the most seniority in our school and is currently serving as our Learning Needs Coordinator. She will continue in this position but will also serve as an Assistant Principal during those times that neither of our retired principals are on the premises. This ensures full-time coverage while school is in session.

Mrs. Kathy DeLozier, retired principal from St. Nicholas Academy in Louisville, will serve two full days each week. Mrs. DeLozier has spent three of her retirement years working with the Title I program at St. Edward School in Louisville. She has spent her entire teaching career in Catholic schools.

Mrs. Margaret Bowen, retired principal from St. Joseph School in Bardstown and St. Stephen Martyr and St. Gabriel Schools in Louisville, is currently assisting with the Title I program at St. Stephen Martyr and will add two days each week in our school.

The Title I experience of these educators is invaluable for our school since the majority of our students qualify under Title I. (Title I is a federal program that provides additional resources for academic achievement, staff training, and family involvement.) In introducing all three team members to the faculty, I observed that among them they have over 100 years of teaching experience. Our teachers, many of them in their first years, will greatly benefit from their expertise.

We will also begin the search process for a new principal as soon as possible so he or she can start in July 2026 before the next school year. Early spring is the ideal time to recruit for a new principal and will give us the best chance for excellent candidates.

I am grateful that Karen, Kathy, and Margaret have agreed to step up immediately so that we can immediately begin the work of directing the faculty in the education of our students. May God bless their good work, and may our students and teachers flourish under their direction.

Father Gary

Last Monday, November 3, we introduced a “leadership transition team” for St. James School. Our former principal, Mr. Gregg Boehmer, resigned his position on Friday, October 31 as I reported in last week’s bulletin column. Our approach to recruiting for a new principal for the school involves two steps.

The first step, announced Monday, November 3, was to put a “leadership transition team” of two retired principals and our most senior teacher in place. This team will operate as “interim principal” for the remainder of this school year, ending in May 2026.

Many of you know Mrs. Karen Snapp, who is the teacher with the most seniority in our school and is currently serving as our Learning Needs Coordinator. She will continue in this position but will also serve as an Assistant Principal during those times that neither of our retired principals are on the premises. This ensures full-time coverage while school is in session.

Mrs. Kathy DeLozier, retired principal from St. Nicholas Academy in Louisville, will serve two full days each week. Mrs. DeLozier has spent three of her retirement years working with the Title I program at St. Edward School in Louisville. She has spent her entire teaching career in Catholic schools.

Mrs. Margaret Bowen, retired principal from St. Joseph School in Bardstown and St. Stephen Martyr and St. Gabriel Schools in Louisville, is currently assisting with the Title I program at St. Stephen Martyr and will add two days each week in our school.

The Title I experience of these educators is invaluable for our school since the majority of our students qualify under Title I. (Title I is a federal program that provides additional resources for academic achievement, staff training, and family involvement.) In introducing all three team members to the faculty, I observed that among them they have over 100 years of teaching experience. Our teachers, many of them in their first years, will greatly benefit from their expertise.

We will also begin the search process for a new principal as soon as possible so he or she can start in July 2026 before the next school year. Early spring is the ideal time to recruit for a new principal and will give us the best chance for excellent candidates.

I am grateful that Karen, Kathy, and Margaret have agreed to step up immediately so that we can immediately begin the work of directing the faculty in the education of our students. May God bless their good work, and may our students and teachers flourish under their direction.

Father Gary