Saint Viator High School names new principal
A career educator who has spent nearly 20 years in Catholic education was named the new principal of Saint Viator High School.
Saint Viator President Brian Liedlich introduced Karen Love to faculty and staff members during a meeting Tuesday. Love will begin as principal July 1.
"I was encouraged by our board of governors and board of trustees to look for candidates who could bring strong leadership skills and new perspectives to this role," Liedlich said, "and who could particularly help with the recommendations coming out of our strategic planning process.
"I believe we have found a candidate that more than checks all these boxes," he added.
Love spent the last five years as assistant principal for instruction at Loyola Academy in Wilmette. She also spent 14 years at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, where she began as a math teacher but moved into administration. She was director of adult spiritual formation and later was director of professional development.
In addressing the faculty, Love said she was "humbled to serve" and looked forward to joining the Saint Viator community.
"During the interview process, I was impressed with Saint Viator's focus on academic excellence, your scholars' program and number of international students, as well as the leverage of technology in the classroom as an Apple distinguished school," she said. "And I learned of Saint Viator's strong reputation in the community."
Liedlich led a nine-member committee that conducted a national search for a new principal. The group included Eileen Manno, who announced her retirement this year after a 35-year career at Saint Viator, including the last 13 as principal.
Committee members said they sought an experienced educator and administrator, who was faith-filled and would be a strong partner in creating and articulating the school's vision.
"She encourages new ideas and thought and has demonstrated strong skills in planning and implementing new initiatives that will serve us well going forward," Liedlich said.