After much research and community input, Notre Dame Regional High School will be transitioning to the president / principal model, effective July 1, 2024.
About the Model
In today’s world, Catholic school leaders must focus on not only academic leadership, but must also prioritize the advancement functions of the school, including, enrollment, strategic planning, fundraising, public relations and marketing. This model allows for a president to focus on the financial management and advancement of the institution, while the principal handles the day-to-day operations of the school and provides academic leadership. The two positions have a shared responsibility of spiritual leadership, ensuring the mission and philosophy of the school are at the forefront.
The Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, said in a formal letter of approval of this transition, “Separating these two roles will hopefully allow for a better focus on day-to-day responsibilities as well as the handling of long term management and overall strength of the school.”
The Process
In February 2022, the school kicked off its strategic planning process. Through that process, over 1,000 Notre Dame faculty, students, board members, alumni, past parents and the community participated in surveys and interviews, with the purpose of identifying areas in which the school could grow. Through reflection and research, the strategic planning process, guided by community volunteers, produced actionable goals and objectives for the school to implement. The vision of the strategic plan has been to create a sustainable school structure to carry Notre Dame Regional High School into the next century of its existence.
As a continuation of that process, faculty, staff, the School Board and the NDHS Education Fund Foundation Board, have evaluated this new model over the past several months. These constituent groups, along with the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, have determined that transitioning to a president / principal model is the next step for the high school. This is a model that is standard practice for Catholic schools in the St. Louis area, as well as nearly three quarters of Catholic schools in the United States.
School Leadership
With this new model, there are several key position changes that will take place beginning July 1. Tim Garner, current principal, will transition to the president role. Garner has been principal of Notre Dame Regional High School since the 2019-2020 school year. Prior to his role as principal, Garner was an assistant principal for academics and science teacher, totaling 23 years of service to the high school. Garner has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rockhurst College, and a Masters of Education in Administration from Williams Woods University. He is a 1993 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School.
Moving into the principal role will be Paul Unterreiner. Unterreiner is the current assistant principal and director of student affairs. He has spent 17 years at the high school, including five years in administration. Unterreiner has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State University, and a Masters of Education in Administration from Williams Woods University. He graduated in 2002 from Notre Dame Regional High School.
Laura Halter and Robert Michael will be stepping into assistant principal roles. Laura Halter, the school’s current director of student life, will be the assistant principal over student life and academics, while Robert Michael, current faculty member and technology coordinator, will be responsible for technology and attendance. Additionally, Amanda Mueth will be moving out of the counselors’ office, into a new role as the director of curriculum.
“I believe moving to the president / principal model is a positive step for Notre Dame Regional High School,” said superintendent of schools, Deacon Rob Huff. “This model will take advantage of the gifts and talents of Notre Dame’s leadership team. I believe Tim Garner and Paul Unterreiner exemplify the idea of servant leadership we seek in all of our Catholic schools. I am confident that their transition into these roles will provide even greater opportunities for Notre Dame.”
In his letter of approval, Bishop Edward M. Rice reiterated the purpose of Catholic education as it relates to Notre Dame Regional High School, “The end goal is to have a stable institution that offers a well-rounded program that addresses the ‘mind, soul, body and spirit’ of each student. The end goal is to have a school atmosphere where Jesus is encountered and the intellect well-formed. The end goal is to form our students into disciples.”
Notre Dame Regional High School feels confident that this transition to the president / principal model will further aid in providing that stable institution of Catholic education for years to come.
Please contact Tim Garner with any questions regarding this transition at timgarner@notredamecape.org, or by calling the school at 573-335-6772.