San Joaquin Memorial Continues Transition to President/Principal Model of Administration

The next phase of San Joaquin Memorial's planned administrative development is now underway. SJM will be transitioning from a Head of School administrative model to a President/Principal administrative model. The nationwide search for a Principal is now underway and it is expected that the Principal will be named in late spring. Current Head of School Mike Burke will transition to the role of SJM's President.

"SJM’s transition to the President/Principal organizational structure, a budget-neutral endeavor, reflects the breadth of responsibilities and entrepreneurial nature demanded by today’s academic leaders," said Susan Byers, SJM Board of Directors Chair. "It will allow our President to focus on the wide-ranging 'business' of directing a successful, modern, Catholic educational institution, while ensuring that the Principal leads his or her SJM faculty and staff in continuing to cultivate the strength and integrity of the overall SJM student experience. We are confident that, once implemented, this change will help San Joaquin Memorial today and properly position it for the future."

The move is a continuation of a process that began upon the hiring of Mr. Burke two years ago. The transition is the next step in this ongoing process.

"I am excited to continue the process of re-organizing the SJM administrative structure," said Mike Burke, SJM's Head of School. "Having worked in the President/Principal structure for the past 20 years, I am confident that this is the best way to serve our students. Our constituents will be surprised how this simple change will positively impact the future of SJM."

Adopting this model will bring SJM in line with many other successful Catholic schools in the country as well as simplifying the current organizational chart. The President will focus on advancement, admissions and other more business related concerns while the Principal will focus on academics and the day to day concerns of the school.

"The President/Principal Model of leadership is standard in Catholic high schools around the country," said Mona Faulkner, Superintendent. "San Joaquin Memorial is now in the position to return to this model because the school is financially strong and we have the right person for the position in Mr. Burke."