New Principal Appointed by Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation of the Academy of Mount St. Ursula are happy to announce Dr. Joseph S. Fusco as Interim Principal for the 2008-2009 academic year. Dr. Fusco brings to the position a strong background in curriculum and a familiarity with Archdiocesan and New York State routines and regulations. As a recent recipient of the National Catholic Educational Association Secondary Schools Department Award, he has made significant contributions to Catholic secondary education and has a proven track record in leading mission-driven schools.
He has already met with the administrators, faculty, staff and students and received a warm welcome from the school community during Ascension Thursday Mass, when he was introduced by Dr. Mary Driscoll, Chair of the Education Committee and member of the Board of Trustees. In his first words to the school community, he mentioned his commitment to embracing the rich history of the Academy fostering the holistic development of each student and empowering them to be the leaders of tomorrow by staying true to the school's traditions yet progressing forward with a strong vision. "I accredit the success of the Principal to a dedicated and committed faculty and staff who collaborate to ensure the best interests of the students are at heart," stated Dr. Fusco
Sr. Mary Beth Read, osu, outgoing principal, expresses her satisfaction that "the school will have as its first lay principal someone who is experienced as a Catholic school administrator in New York State and the wider metropolitan region. From meeting Dr. Fusco and from hearing how his former colleagues describe the blend of professional master teacher and compassionate leader, I feel he will be a good fit for the Ursuline spirit and tradition that have formed the backbone of Mount St. Ursula for 153 years."
Dr. Fusco was unanimously recommended by a Search Committee comprised of board members, Ursulines, and faculty. The Committee particularly noted his respect for faculty in his intention to engage them in a dialogue about what they would most like the school community to accomplish under his tenure. Jean Moran, the Chair of the Board stated, "The Board of Trustees is very grateful to the Search Committee's efforts that yielded such a strong, experienced educational leader. We are very lucky to have attracted an academic leader with a long, successful administrative track record and deep commitment to Catholic education." Dr. Fusco will assume his position effective July 15, 2008.