Notre Dame H.S. Names Interim Principal

One week after honoring outgoing principal Rita Gleason at the "Gleason Gala," the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and Notre Dame High School (NDB) have announced Gleason's successor, albeit an interim one.

Maryann Osmond, the current chair of the the high school's board of directors, has been selected as the interim head of school effective July 1, 2013.  

According to NDB officials, Osmond has served on the board of directors for six years; the last two as board chair.

“Ms. Osmond knows well the mission of NDB, and the opportunities and challenges facing the school” shared Sister Georginanna Coonis, Provincial team member, “and provided leadership in developing a Strategic Plan that will give direction to the school for the next several years.

She is familiar with and appreciates the strong, experienced faculty and staff, and has expressed a desire to serve them and the young women who are at the heart of the NDB mission. Ms. Osmond brings a wealth of experience in Development and Communications with the California Sisters of Notre Dame, the University of San Francisco and Kenyon College, Ohio. We are grateful to Ms. Osmond for accepting this new commitment and for the passion, intelligence and energy she brings. Ms. Osmond will use her leadership skills and abilities to strengthen all that is good about Notre Dame, Belmont."  

School officials say Osmond will work in collaboration with Carolyn Hutchins Assistant Principal for Student Affairs and Anne Schaefer-Salinas the incoming Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction.

"The complement of their perspectives, professional experience and leadership are vital to the continuity and overall advancement of the school. The search for a permanent Head of School will remain active with our consulting firm until the right candidate emerges to lead Notre Dame Belmont," school officials said in a statement.

Rita Gleason, honored earlier this month at the Gala attended by nearly 500 people, has agreed to be available to Osmond for the next several months to to help with a smooth transition.