By Marnie McAllister, Record Editor
Holy Cross High School’s board of directors has appointed Danielle Atzinger Wiegandt as the school’s president, effective July 1. Wiegandt, who currently serves as the coed school’s principal, will succeed Tim Weihe, who has served as president for 11 years.
Weihe will return to a career in business, which he left when he entered the education field, according to an announcement from the school.
Wiegandt, a 1995 graduate of Holy Cross, has served at the school since 1999 and has taught a senior theology class for all 18 years of her tenure there. She was appointed the principal in 2008. She has also coached several sports at Holy Cross.
“I feel very responsible for what happens with this school,” said Wiegandt during an interview on March 14. “It’s not just a place where I work. I’m responsible for making sure this school is here and thriving and is here for the people in the community. People in this part of town need that and deserve that.”
An announcement from the school said the board voted unanimously for Wiegandt after narrowing the field of candidates from 32 to four prospective leaders.
“We believe in Danielle’s vision, and we are excited for the future of Holy Cross with Danielle as president,” the announcement said.
Her vision rests on four aims identified in the school’s strategic plan, which Wiegandt helped develop. They are:
- Increasing enrollment to include a more diverse student body that reflects the community the school serves;
- Invest in school facilities;
- Strengthen connctions in the wider community;
- Promote greater alumni engagement.
Wiegandt said she has a lot to learn, but believes she’s been well prapared by Tim Weihe and by her work on the strategic plan.
“Tim was very strategic — he got us to a place where a new president can roll with it,” she said. “Number one on my to-do list is to find an awesome, dynamic principal.”
Holy Cross is now accepting applications for the position of principal.
Wiegandt studied English at the University of Mississippi and earned two master’s degrees at Bellarmine University, one in administration and one in secondary education. She is currently working on a doctoral degree in education and social change at Bellarmine.
Wiegandt and her husband Scott, a 1985 graduate of Holy Cross, are members of St. Lawrence Church and have three children.
