Montini Catholic High School names Chris Tiritilli as new principal
On Friday, May 5, Montini Catholic High School announced the appointment of Chris Tiritilli as the Lasallian college preparatory high school's new principal, effective July 1, 2023.
Tiritilli is the successor to Kevin Beirne, who was announced as Montini's new president in April after serving five years as principal.
"We were looking for a leader who is dynamic, visionary, energetic, strives for excellence, embodies servant leadership, and is smart, resourceful, a seasoned decision maker, connects well with students, colleagues and all stakeholder groups, and lives our Lasallian mission," said Beirne in his letter to Montini's entire school community announcing Tiritilli's appointment. "It turns out we had to look no further than our current Assistant Principal for Student Services to identify a candidate ideally suited to this role!"
"Mr. Tiritilli joined Montini Catholic's leadership team in the summer of 2022 and has quickly and positively impacted our school," Beirne added. "In the short time he's been in the assistant principal role, Mr. Tiritilli has completed a re-engineering of our student accommodation process and created an accommodation guide and stewarded a reimagining of the Human Services process such that the work of this group is more efficient and better equipped to meet student needs. He streamlined and standardized the course remediation program and led the design of new processes and procedures in our school counseling department. Due to his work, there's no doubt that we are far better equipped to support our students than we were just a year ago. As important as this work has been though, Mr. Tiritilli has also proven to be a student centered leader, quickly getting to know our students and school community, embracing our mission and vision, and having an incredibly positive presence in our school."
Prior to his work at Montini, Tiritilli served as principal at St. Mary of Gostyn School in Downers Grove for six years and Holy Family Catholic School in Bensenville for two years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lewis University. "His passion for Catholic Education and working with young people is evident to all those who've had the privilege of working with him," said Beirne. "As we look to the future, it's clear that Mr. Tiritilli is just the right leader at just the right time for our students, faculty, staff, and families. He's proven an ideal fit for the type of Catholic, Lasallian education that makes Montini such a unique experience, while also bringing a new and fresh perspective to all that we do."
"I am very excited and proud to accept the principal position at Montini Catholic," Tiritilli said. "I have enjoyed the current year and have been getting to know our students, staff and community. I feel that my first year here as well as my previous experiences as a building principal will help set me up for success in my first year as principal of Montini Catholic."
Although he enjoys working with students of all ages, Tiritilli acknowledges that his strengths and skill set has always been best equipped to support students in the secondary setting.
"Building positive relationships with students, staff and families is one of my favorite things to do as well as the most effective way to support positive and transformative change in any setting. I have found that my natural personality and leadership style is best fit to develop these meaningful connections with students in the high school setting."
He embraces the challenges that are sure to come his way as the principal of a Lasallian college preparatory high school.
"We will be seeking to support our new teachers and school staff, by exemplifying the high expectations we have for Montini staff members, while also providing them with the support they require to grow and develop as professional educators new to Montini. As much of a challenge as the above statement is, it is also something I look forward to and am excited about, as it helps us all identify the joy that has led us to our current roles at Montini, as well as helping spread that joy to others."
"My first year here at Montini has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the students, staff and parents at our school. Each group has been so warm and welcoming to me as well, which has only affirmed my desire to be a part of the Montini community. I have been talking and listening to all of our stakeholder groups, seeking to understand the traditions and things we do well, as well as the areas for further growth and development. I now consider myself a full-fledged Bronco!"