Florida Catholic | New principals lead two diocesan schools

New principals lead two diocesan schools

Published: 08.15.08

KATHY KIDD, ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL

AMY FERRARA SMITH | FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF

PANAMA CITY | After 36 years of working as both a teacher and principal, Kathy Kidd, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership, has come back to serve as principal of the first school at which she taught in Bay County: St. John the Evangelist Catholic School.

A graduate of Radford University in Radford, Va., Kidd began her teaching career as a health and physical education instructor in her home state of Virginia. After she moved with her husband and children to Panama City, she taught at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School from 1978 to 1983. She later earned a master’s degree, specialist’s degree and doctorate from Florida State University.

With her extensive educational background, Kidd worked in the Bay County school system as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. While working at Lucille Moore Elementary in Panama City, she twice received the outstanding principal award.

Although she initially left St. John 25 years ago to work in the Bay County school system, Kidd has remained a part of the St. John community as both a parishioner and a parent of two daughters who attended the school.

“It’s a very caring community,” she said. “The school has always had a good reputation. That has never changed.”

This year, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School will celebrate its 50th anniversary and Kidd, with the help of the Parent Teacher Organization, plans to honor this event with numerous celebrations.

“I am honored to serve as principal at this time during St. John’s anniversary year,” said Kidd. “I’m looking forward to seeing many alumni, parents and staff members from the time I taught here, and I will strive to continue the tradition of excellence established 50 years ago at St. John’s.”

SISTER ELLEN CRONAN, JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

MARCI ELLIOTT | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

TALLAHASSEE | Sister Ellen Cronan, Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is settling into her new position as the second principal of John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee. She succeeds Randy Felton, who was the school’s first and only principal from 2000 to 2008. Felton retired June 30; Sister Cronan came on board July 31.

Sister Cronan, whose religious order is based in Hamden, Conn., comes to JPII from Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township, N.J., an all-girls school with 850 students. With 40 years’ experience in Catholic education – as a teacher and principal – she is looking ahead with plans for her new students’ future.

“We’re presently updating the technology system to incorporate computers into the classroom setting,” Sister Cronan said. “We have two computer labs now and my intention is eventually to have laptops for the students.”

Today’s students differ from those of 40 years ago mainly by the technology and educational opportunities available to them, she said. From a faith-based point of view, she added, they have more of a social service element now than students back then. One of her former students, now at Princeton University, plans to go to Peru with Engineers Without Borders and build houses for the poor.

“Students today have more access to technology in their daily life,” Sister Ellen said. “The world is a very small place for them because they have so much available, literally at their fingertips. Technology makes everything so much easier for them.”

Sister Cronan served 18 years as principal at Immaculate Heart, 16 years at Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis and 15 years at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden.

She has bachelor’s and master’s of arts degrees in history and political science from St. Louis University in St. Louis and is a Ford Foundation Scholar with membership in several professional educational organizations.

She says she likes the people and the city of Tallahassee.

“What’s there not to like?” Sister Cronan said, smiling. “I imagine I’ll especially like it in the winter.”

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