Helias revamping administration

Leaders with Helias Catholic High School announced Monday they are beginning the process of restructuring the administration.

The changes, which Father Stephen Jones had hoped to implement over several years, will come more quickly in light of longtime Dean of Students Stan Ochsner's decision to retire at the end of this academic year, and Sister Barbara Neist's choice to pursue new avenues of ministry with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Neist serves as the school's coordinator of curriculum and instruction.

Jones announced Monday he will not hire another dean of students to succeed Ochsner. Instead, he will divide many of the position's functions among other administrators.

As part of the changes, Jones will grant Sister Jean Dietrich's request to step into the role of vice principal for registration and facilities, since she already has served for many years as the school's principal. Dietrich will continue to oversee many of her previous duties - including registration and scheduling - as well as pick up several duties currently held by Ochsner.

"Given her long history of outstanding service and experience at Helias, she will have a key role in assisting the new principal in adjusting to our school," Jones noted.

Activities Director Doug Light has agreed to take on some new roles, including teaching and supervision, as well as taking some of Ochsner's current responsibilities. He will leave the position of activities director in order to carry out the additional responsibilities.

"Doug was happy to help us in filling some of these roles and I am grateful for his willingness to do so," Jones said.

A search will begin immediately to hire a new principal and activities director.

"I will be assembling a search committee in line with the guidelines set forth in the by-laws of the Helias Catholic High School Advisory Council to help me during this process," Jones wrote in a press release. "It is my goal to hire a principal who will oversee the day-to-day administration of the school as well as undertake the role of faculty evaluation and curriculum development."

The new principal will report directly to Jones. The changes are part of a long-term plan to help the school remain on a solid financial footing while remaining effective and working to increase enrollment, he said.

Jones - who was appointed by Bishop John Gaydos in June 2013 to serve as president of Helias - said he's grateful for all the work Dietrich, Ochsner, Neist and Light have done to help make the school an outstanding place of learning and faith formation for young people.

Calling these "challenging and exciting times," Jones asked for everyone's patience during the transition.

"No words can express my own appreciation and that of the many, many students who have been part of our Helias Catholic family," Jones said.

"We ask God to abundantly bless Stan Ochsner and Sister Barbara Neist as they look to the next phase in their careers, and Sister Jean Dietrich and Doug Light as they move into their new posts here at Helias."