MISSION STATEMENT
The Diocesan School Board (DSB) is a consultative body that provides counsel to the Bishop, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Diocesan School Office. It is the duty of the DSB to serve as a resource to foster and promote the ministry and operation of Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. The DSB will concentrate on the diocese’s mission goals, to be Distinctly Catholic, Academically Excellent and Fiscally Stable.
DIOCESAN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Michelle Henzlik SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER |
Michelle has been an educator for nineteen years and is currently a school counselor for the Clinton School District. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling from Central Missouri State University and a Bachelors degree in Teaching English from Missouri Southern State University. Michelle and her husband Michael reside in rural Montrose and have two children, Taylor (21) who is a Junior at Missouri Southern State University and Jesse (11) who is a sixth grader at St. Mary's School in Montrose.
Their children are the 4th generation to attend St. Mary's School. Michelle has been a member of Immaculate Conception in Montrose since 2002. She currently serves in many roles for St. Mary's including School Advisory Board President, PTO President, Fall Dinner Fundraising Chair and she and her husband chair the annual Lenten Fish Fry dinners for Immaculate Conception. |
Jacob Palan SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER |
Jacob is an Associate at Helix Architecture + Design, where he has contributed to local projects since 2006. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University, where he met his wife Kara, an interior designer.
They are parishioners at Holy Cross Church in the Historic Northeast Kansas City. Their three children, Adrian (11), Mannix (9), and Ellie (7), attend Holy Cross School. Jacob and Kara donated professional services for the 2013 renovation of the original 1962 school building. Jacob has served on the School Advisory Committee since 2014. The design couple also donated professional services for Jerusalem Farm, a Catholic intentional community built on the four cornerstones of Prayer, Community, Service, and Simplicity. Their work will help provide community members with a common home, the first in the historic Pendleton Heights Neighborhood in 50 years. |
Matt Wheeler SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER |
Matt is a consultant and shareholder at Holmes Murphy where he is the Vice President of Client Service for the Kansas City employee benefits division. He grew up in Carrollton (St. Mary’s parish) and graduated from the University of Missouri with a philosophy degree.
His wife, Kristine, and he reside in Lee’s Summit with their seven children and have belonged to Our Lady of the Presentation parish since 2006. Grace attends St. Michael the Archangel High School, Jack, Mary and Catherine attend Our Lady of the Presentation and Paul, Joseph and Anna are future students. Matt is a member of the parish finance committee, actively coaches, assists with Respect Life Day and has served on the parish school advisory board, various parish committees and in faith formation roles. |