Helias suspends search for new principal

Leaders at Helias Catholic High School have temporarily suspended their search for a new principal to serve this fall, choosing instead to divide tasks among administrators and faculty already working in the building, Father Stephen Jones said Thursday.

"We began the principal search last spring, late in the hiring season," he said. "We were not able to find what we were looking for."

School districts typically conclude their search for new employees by early to mid-spring.

On March 24, school leaders announced they were beginning the process of restructuring the administration. It was at that point they also announced the search to hire a new principal and activities director.

The changes were prompted by longtime Dean of Students Stan Ochsner's decision to retire and Sister Barbara Neist's interest in pursuing new avenues of ministry with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Jones said Neist has agreed to remain at Helias for one more year as director of curriculum, rather than moving on to the new ministry.

"She is willing to help," he said.

This fall, Sister Jean Dietrich will focus on student registration and scheduling, since she already has served for many years as the school's principal. She will continue to oversee many of her previous duties, as well as pick up several new ones held by Ochsner.

"We are taking most of Stan Ochsner's duties and dividing them among the existing administration," Jones said. "By not rehiring a dean of students, we will be downsizing, budget-wise."

Faculty member Doug Light will serve as a jack-of-many trades, including supervising the lunch hour, mentoring freshmen students and dolingout discipline. It's not yet clear if Light will or will not be teaching classes this fall.

Admissions Director Travis Reinsch will oversee management of facilities, one of Ochsner's former responsibilities.

And Brad Dempsey will serve as activities director, a position he was appointed to in early April.

Previously, Dempsey served as the assistant boys basketball coach, head girls soccer coach, activities director at St. Joseph Cathedral and president of the Parochial Athletic League.