Montini looks in-house to find new principal

A familiar face around Montini Catholic High School, Kevin Beirne will be the new principal beginning next school year.

He'll replace the retiring Maryann O'Neill, who is stepping down after 32 years at the Lombard school, including 14 as principal.

Beirne joined Montini in 2008 as an English instructor and was promoted in 2014 to be the director of the digital learning initiative, where he was instrumental in rolling out the school's 1-to-1 iPad program. He became assistant principal for student services in 2015.

As assistant principal, Beirne works side-by-side with the guidance department and deans office to ensure students' academic and behavioral needs are met. He also works with Assistant Principal of Academics Sara Lhotka and O'Neill to ensure the school holds itself to the highest standards in its mission to educate the whole child - "heart, soul, mind and body."

He will become Montini Catholic's ninth principal since its inception in 1966.

"From the moment I walked into the doors of Montini in the spring of 2008, it was clear to me that I would be a part of the community for a long time to come," Beirne said. "Still, when I began that year as an English teacher and director of student activities, I could not have foreseen the path that would lead me to the principal's office.

"While assuming the role of principal is both exhilarating and overwhelming, I'm heartened knowing that I have been under the tutelage of the very best. By witnessing firsthand Mrs. O'Neill's expertise, knowledge, insight, creativity, passion and leadership, I am undoubtedly a much better educator.

"Just as Maryann is such a part of who I've become, she is also such an integral part of what Montini has become. Her thumbprints are all over the school, and she has been a great influence on many people who have passed through our doors during her tenure."

"Mr. Beirne is an enthusiastic, passionate and a well qualified young man." O'Neill said. "He is more than capable of leading this school."

"Kevin has big shoes to fill as he joins the leadership team in the role of principal," Montini President Jim Segredo said. "But I know he has the ability, drive and credentials to build on all that Mrs. O'Neill has accomplished. He will bring a new energy and fresh ideas to this role."