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Bishop O’Connell High School
6600 Little
Falls Rd., Arlington, Virginia 22213
www.bishopoconnell.org
Position Description
A search is underway to identify a new Principal for
Bishop O’Connell Catholic High School by March 2008 who will assume
the position on July 1, 2008. Compensation will be comparable to
that of other Catholic secondary schools.
The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, seeks a practicing Catholic
education professional to serve as Principal of Bishop O’Connell
High School, a co-educational college-preparatory, Catholic school
serving grades 9-12 and operated under the aegis of the Diocese of
Arlington.
The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
school including the academic and the extra-curricular programs and
student life as well as faculty hiring and development. The
Principal reports to the school’s President who has primary
responsibilities in planning, marketing and admissions, finance,
facilities, financial development, and alumni and Board relations.
The founding mission of Bishop O'Connell High School is to “provide
students a Catholic education rooted in the life of Christ and to
foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person.” The overall
vision of Bishop O’Connell is: “Through the application of its
mission and stewardship of its resources, Bishop O’Connell will be
prized as a faith-filled, diverse and nurturing learning environment
where its students are empowered to achieve academic excellence,
develop as moral persons of integrity and self esteem, become solid
citizens, and live out the Catholic values of compassion, service
and respect for others.”
History and Educational Program
Founded in 1957, Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School is located in
Arlington County, Virginia, about 15 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Students come from all over the Washington D.C. region, including
Maryland and 6 cities and counties in Virginia, to attend. With an
enrollment of over 1450 students, Bishop O’Connell High School is
one of the largest non-public schools in the nation’s capital and
one of the largest Catholic schools on the Eastern Seaboard. The
diversity of its student body reflects that of the surrounding
communities and neighborhoods. Qualified students of any gender,
race, religion and ethnic origin are admitted, with priority given
to applicants from parishes of the Diocese of Arlington. In the fall
of 2006, Bishop O’Connell enrolled 390 new students from 80 sending
schools.
Bishop O'Connell High School has a long history of excellence in
education. Named a Blue Ribbon School by the Department of
Education, Bishop O'Connell High School is "A Recognized School of
Excellence.” The spiritual atmosphere is enriched by the presence of
the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who have staffed the
school since its opening and two full-time priests. One hundred and
ten faculty of both religious and lay men and women staff Bishop
O’Connell High School. A majority of the faculty hold master
degrees, while several also have earned doctorates.
Approximately 99% of all graduates of Bishop O’Connell matriculate
to college. This year the school boasts having six National Merit
Semi-Finalists, continuing a pattern of the past several years. Last
year over 380 students enrolled in the school’s 23 Advanced
Placement courses, taking approximately 750 AP exams. In addition to
Advanced Placement, Honors and college prep classes, Bishop
O’Connell offers a wide range of electives, community service
programs, and arts offerings as well as a full range of athletic
teams which compete in the Washington Catholic Association
Conference, one of the most competitive leagues in the metropolitan
area. The school also provides a distinctive supplemental academic
program for students with special learning needs. Overall, the
student to faculty ratio is 14:1. The average class size is 21.
Bishop O’Connell is accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent
Schools.
Thanks to the recent adoption of a five-year strategic plan and the
generosity of Bishop O'Connell's families, friends and alumni,
several projects underway and soon to be started will give O'Connell
a new look. The improvements include a library and a visual arts
center as well as a remodeled chapel and athletic facilities.
Qualities of Leadership
Bishop O’Connell seeks an experienced practicing Catholic
education leader who has a passion for working with High School
students and who possesses demonstrated organizational, leadership
and interpersonal skills to serve as Principal.
Candidates should have the expertise to deal with the broad range of
issues facing Catholic schools today. The most promising candidates
will have experience in education, technology, and high school
administration and be interested in advancing the school while
remaining true to its Mission and Vision. They will be enthusiastic
educators and strategic leaders with a strong public presence.
Candidates should possess a strong leadership style that seeks
consensus whenever possible. Ideally, candidates should be
comfortable managing a school this size working and working
collaboratively with the school's President.
Additionally, the most promising candidates will have outstanding
written and oral communication skills. They will be objective,
consistent, patient, approachable and have a good sense of humor.
The candidates will take a personal interest in each child’s
academic, social and spiritual needs and find enjoyment in
developing a close knit Catholic community of students, parents,
faculty and staff.
The Principal Search Process
The school has engaged Education Access Strategies, LLC to assist
with the search. Please send all information and address all
inquiries to:
Richard K. Jung, Ed.D.
Education Access Strategies, LLC
5111 Hampden Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-9732
E-mail: rkjung@aol.com
Candidates should submit as soon as possible but no later than
January 30, 2008: a cover letter explaining why they are interested
in and qualified for the Principal opportunity at Bishop O’Connell
Catholic High School; a current resume; a personal statement of
educational philosophy; and the names, e-mail addresses, and
telephone numbers of five references.
Basic Search Schedule
January 30, 2008: Deadline for applications
Late February: Semi-finalists’ interviews
Early March: Finalists’ interviews
Please start your file with Richard K. Jung as soon as possible.
Bishop O’Connell is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates.
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