Principal Search

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Mr. Paul Houston selected for new Principal

March 29, 2022

Fr. John Merkelis, OSA, President of Providence Catholic High School has named Mr. Paul Houston as Principal of the school beginning July 1, 2022.  “After a rigorous national search, we have chosen the very best candidate for the job.  Mr. Houston comes to us with the necessary administrative and educational experience required to lead our school community. In addition, we’re delighted that Mr. Houston happens to be one of our own. He is a former teacher and administrator at PCHS,” said Merkelis.

With over thirty-three years of experience at the high school level, Mr. Houston is both an accomplished administrator and educator with a strong work ethic. He is tirelessly dedicated to the academic achievement of students and committed to their social, emotional and spiritual growth.

Mr. Houston began his career at Providence Catholic in 1989 as a teacher and Director of Student Activities.  In 1997, he continued his career at Lyons Township High School as Assistant Principal and most recently served as their Global Studies Division Chairman, supervising and evaluating teachers and developing curricula,

“Being named Principal of Providence is a great honor and I embrace the opportunity to work closely with the staff, as well as the students and their families to advance the school’s mission. I know what a special place Providence truly is, and I am humbled to return to the place where I began my career.  I’m blessed to have spent those first seven years at Providence Catholic where the Augustinian core values of truth, unity, and love provided a foundation that led to many successful and rewarding years at the high school level,” said Mr. Houston.

Mr. Houston holds an M.A. in Educational Administration from Governors State University and a B.A. in History from the College of St. Francis.


March 1, 2022

Thank you to all who shared our position profile with qualified potential applicants.  Thank you also to all who continue to support our Principal search through prayer. The national advertising and outreach resulted in a good number of well qualified candidates, and we’re happy to provide this update of our progress.

Vetting, initial screening interviews and reference checks were conducted during the past few weeks.  Following these steps, the pool of applicants was narrowed to four individuals.  These candidates were interviewed by the Search Committee on Monday, February 21.  Finalists have been identified and a second round of interviews with the Committee is planned.

Our thanks to all candidates for their interest in this position, and to the Committee for their work.  Finding the next academic leader who is the best fit with our Providence Catholic family is our priority.  Please continue to keep this important initiative in your daily prayers.


January 2, 2022

Principal Selection Committee has been established. We are grateful to the following people for their service (updated 2/8/22):

  • Fr. John Merkelis, President, Pastoral Director, Administration Team
  • Mrs. MaryBeth Carroll, Head of PCHS Business Department, Midwest Augustinians Affiliate, Parent of Alumni
  • Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti, Director of Technology, Administration Team, CSA Chair, Parent of Alumni
  • Ms. Huda Hamdan, Counselor, IALAC 2.0 Moderator
  • Mr. Josh Ditzler, Social Studies Teacher & Chair, Football Coach, Alumnus
  • Mr. Walter Leverett, Advisory Board Member, Current Parent
  • Mr. Kevin Oliver, Theology Teacher, National Honor Society Moderator, Hockey Coach
  • Mr. Brian Schroeder, Advisory Board Member, Diocese of Joliet Representative, Parent of Alumni
  • Mr. Mark Smith, Assistant Athletic Director, Baseball Coach, Alumnus, Current Parent
  • Mrs. Mary Turkowski, Learning Resource Teacher, After-school Tutoring, Alumnus
  • Fr. Rich Young, Theology Teacher & Chair, Administration Team, Director of Augustinian Mission for Schools in Midwest Province

November 22, 2021

Providence Catholic High School is seeking its next Principal who, inspired by our Augustinian values, will lead our school community as we build upon our tradition of excellence.

Providence Catholic High School has engaged Catholic School Management, a division of Christian Brothers Services, to facilitate this search.  Interested and qualified candidates should electronically submit application materials no later than January 5, 2022 to principalsearch@providencecatholic.org 

To apply and obtain the complete list of qualifications and application procedures, please refer to the Principal position profile, linked here:

 


November 19, 2021

Principal Dr. John Harper to Retire

Providence Catholic High School President Father John Merkelis, O.S.A. announced today that Principal Dr. John Harper will retire, effective June 30, 2022.  “We have contracted with Catholic School Management to conduct a nation-wide search for our next principal,” says Fr. Merkelis.

A 1977 alumnus, Dr. Harper has been an educator for 40 years.  He rose to the position of Superintendent in Plainfield School District 202 and spent his last eight years as the Principal of Providence Catholic High School.  He has been a dedicated educator, a mentor to countless teachers and a tireless advocate for students.  “Dr. Harper has been our principal since 2014, and we are indebted to his vision and commitment to our students and school community.” says Father Merkelis.  “He established innovative programs such as the INCubator entrepreneurship program, academic classes for 8th grade students, A.L.I.C.E. safety training, COVID-19 safety protocols, remote learning and many more.  I know that the entire Providence Catholic family joins me in wishing Dr. Harper well as he starts this new chapter in his life.”

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