Florida Catholic | Diocese Hires New Director Of Education

Diocese hires new director of education

Dr. Kathleen Schwartz comes from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 04.11.08

VENICE | Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced the hiring of a new director of education for the Diocese of Venice.

Dr. Kathleen Schwartz was hired following a national search and will begin her new duties May 5. Schwartz’ most recent position was as assistant superintendent of schools with the Archdiocese of Washington, where she was in charge of more than 70 schools in and around the nation’s capital.

Schwartz replaces Director of Education Sister Roberta Schmidt, who is retiring from the diocese after 15 years.

The Diocese of Venice has 14 elementary, secondary and special-needs schools in five counties with more than 4,700 students enrolled. A new elementary school in Highlands County is planned for the 2008-09 academic year.

“I am very excited at the prospect of working toward the bishop’s vision toward Catholic education,” Schwartz said. “This is an opportunity to make a difference in an area that is moving forward and has a bishop that is committed.”

Diocesan schools are committed to excellence in academics. All teachers are certified and licensed by the state of Florida and receive ongoing professional and catechetical education.

Schwartz plans to do a complete assessment of the diocesan education program during her transition, while working collaboratively to get input from everyone who has an interest in Catholic education.

She has a demonstrated record of leadership in Catholic education. Her career in Catholic education ranges from that as an English and drama teacher, special-education teacher, assistant principal and principal. Her only service outside of Catholic education was as an English language instructor for a junior college and a company, both in Japan.

Schwartz received a doctorate of educational leadership from the University of Central Florida, a master’s in English and education from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s in English and education with a minor in theology from Niagara University.

Schwartz and her husband, Wally, have seven children and eight grandchildren, most of them in Florida.

Bishop Dewane credits the members of the diocesan search committee for taking time to assist in the selection process. The committee consisted of diocesan school board members, high school, elementary school and special-education principals, clergy, Catholic Center personnel, and parents and students in the schools.

“I have had the opportunity to work collaboratively with pastors and other leaders in Catholic education to address these and related challenges, such as enrollment, marketing, multicultural initiatives, and teacher recruitment and retention,” Schwartz said. “I welcome the opportunity to assist Bishop Dewane in implementing the vision for Catholic education in the Diocese of Venice.”

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