By Marnie McAllister, Record Editor
As school draws to a close and another summer begins, four long-time elementary school principals and two long-term teachers in the Archdiocese of Louisville are among 36 educators who are retiring.
Among the principals retiring is Laura Glaser, who has served as a principal for 50 years. She is retiring from Our Lady of Lourdes School after 37 years of service. She also led St. Rita School.
Leisa Schulz, superintendant of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville, said Glaser and the other retiring school leaders have made significant contributions to Catholic education.
“The Catholic school principals who are retiring this year have made innumerable contributions to Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Louisville,” she said in a statement about the retirements last week. “Each of them responded to God’s call to teach and lead, and they have positively impacted the lives of thousands of students and teachers.
“I am delighted that each of them will now have the opportunity to pursue new interests and enjoy what life has in store for them,” she added. “I have been privileged to know each of them and call them mentor, colleague and friend.”’
Among the other principals retiring after significant commitments to Catholic school leadership are:
- Ursuline Sister of Mount St. Joseph Michael Marie Friedman, principal of St. James School in Elizabethtown, Ky., is retiring after 25 years at the helm. She is one of only a few women religious on staff at Catholic schools in the archdiocese.
- Sheila Marstiller, currently principal of St. Michael School, is retiring after 45 years of service. She also served as principal of St. Albert the Great School.
- Dr. Paul DeZarn retired in December after having served as principal of St. Raphael since 1975.
In addition to these principals, two educators who’ve worked with children for more than four decades are among those retiring. They are:
- Karen Sullivan of John Paul II Academy is retiring after 47 years of service.
- Cynthia Christensen, a counselor at Presentation Academy, is retiring after 40 years of service.
Seven other educators are retiring after more than 30 years of service. The educators and the schools from which they’re retiring are:
- Rita Baxter of Notre Dame Academy served 35 years.
- Clarice Casper of St. Agnes School, 39 years.
- Sue Shade, St. Andrew Academy, 34 years.
- Carolyn Louderback, St. Bernard School, 30 years.
- Orline Briney, St. Catherine Academy in New Haven, Ky., 36 years.
- Sandy Weber, St. Gabriel School, 34 years.
- Barbara Bowles, St. Rita School, 30 years.
Other transitions
Three other schools will see transitions in leadership when school begins again in August.
Jennifer Barz, currently principal of St. Andrew Academy, will become principal of Our Lady of Lourdes. Michael Bickett, principal of St. Joseph School in Bardstown, Ky., will transition to teaching at the school. Meghan Weyland, currently principal of Nativity Academy at St. Boniface, will work at the school part-time.
