Who are the people in the Chancery?

A typical day in the office looks like….
Most days you will find me meeting with school leaders, special educators and classroom teachers to support their work with students with exceptionalities. I also provide support, education and advocacy for our schools as they access federal programs like Title I for reading and math remediation and Covid relief funds. When I’m not in our schools, I am working closely with our amazing Catholic Schools Office team – Dr. Karen Kroh, Pat Burbach, LeAnn Lakin and Kerry Eckert to support school leaders with the resources they need. In my downtime, I research best practices, funding opportunities and legislation that would benefit our school communities.  
Over the last year, I am most proud of the work that our educators have done in our learning communities as they support the mental and physical health of their students while continuing spiritual and academic growth and creating some sense of normalcy. Teachers and school leaders have been tireless in their work, stepping up and stepping in as they take on more and more tasks and responsibilities, all the while keeping students at the center of all they do. Their work inspires me, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to support them in their mission as Catholic school leaders. 
This year, with Dr. Kroh as our new Superintendent, our Schools Office team has focused our energy on supporting our school leaders and educators with the tools they need to keep their doors open while understanding the tremendous toll Covid is taking on their mental and physical health. One of my focuses has been on federal relief assistance. Schools have utilized Covid relief funds to update their technology, curriculum materials and professional development. These investments will have long lasting impacts in our schools and I am so proud of our joint efforts to access and utilize these programs.  
We might cross paths at my home parish – St. Therese. My daughters have attended St. Therese school and our family has been involved in church ministries there for over a decade. You’ll also find me on the soccer field or volleyball court! I have three wonderful daughters who love playing soccer and volleyball. My husband and I spend lots of nights and weekend cheering them on. We also love supporting our local NWSL team – the Kansas City Currents! 

St. Joseph, Missouri – The St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership announced a key decision today following two years of evaluation, research and visioning about the future of St. Joseph Catholic Schools. Effective July 1, 2022, five St. Joseph Catholic Schools will align under one entity called St. Joseph Catholic Academy (SJCA).
 
“The St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership was formed to facilitate collaboration among the area’s Catholic schools and ensure a common experience for all students. We have laid an important foundation for that work with the decision to establish St. Joseph Catholic Academy,” said Ann Lachowitzer, president of the St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership. “We are excited and inspired by the opportunities that this new alignment offers to the students, families, teachers and staff of our St. Joseph Catholic Schools.”
 
All five schools will continue to operate as individual campuses within the SJCA structure: St. Gianna Early Childhood Center, Cathedral School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, St. James Catholic School and Bishop LeBlond High School. A centralized administrative team is to include Pastoral Coordinator Father Christian Malewski, pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish; St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership President Ann Lachowitzer; and Head of Schools Catherine Neumayr. The administrative team will work closely with Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Kroh and Bishop James Johnston.
 
“This next step will better facilitate living out a unified vision and mission among our Catholic schools in St. Joseph.,” said Father Malewski. “It’s vitally important that we all know what we’re about and our ultimate goal. The mission and vision was already given by Jesus Himself: “Go make disciples . . .” While we want to educate our youth to be successful in the work world, we also want to help form them to be true disciples of Jesus who will continue to live their faith out in the world and build up the Church as a whole. It is a blessing and an honor to be a part of this hopeful future for our Catholic community.”
 
Benefits of the single entity structure of St. Joseph Catholic Academy include Catholic liberal arts opportunities such as foreign languages and fine arts, advanced technology, STEAM, robotics, and other diverse electives; expanded professional development opportunities for teachers and staff; consistency in curriculum that is engaging, builds foundational skills and develops disciplined thinkers; and centralized administration.

“Catholic schools are dependent upon the people, the communities and the vision that make them up: students, families, teachers, coaches, leaders and administrators,” said Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop James Johnston. “I am proud to see how the people of St. Joseph never lose sight of the unique mission of its Catholic schools and continue to be passionate about fulfilling it.”
 
Next steps in establishing St. Joseph Catholic Academy include continued communication with teachers, staff, parents, parishioners and the St. Joseph community; researching similar systems across the country to get a firm grounding and ensure the best possible system for St. Joseph; fostering teacher preparation; studying curriculum options; pursuing new funding; as well as branding for St. Joseph Catholic Academy and marketing strategy.  

“I am proud to see St. Joseph Catholic Schools continue to make history in the way they are approaching the spiritual and academic needs of their students,” said Karen Kroh, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. 
 
Learn more, and stay up to date on progress, at stjosephcatholicschools.com or St. Joseph Catholic Schools on Facebook.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph announced today that Ann Wright will join St. Michael the Archangel High School (SMA) as assistant principal next fall. Ann will finish the 2020-21 school year in her current role as principal at St. John LaLande Catholic School.
 
In her farewell letter to the St. John LaLande community, Ann shared that she has accepted a part-time position as assistant principal at St. Michael the Archangel where will continue to embrace the St. John LaLande family but in a different role, as part of the administrative team at SMA.  She will join Jodi Briggs, principal, and several former students and colleagues at SMA and she is looking forward to the challenge. 

Ann closed her letter, saying, “I will be always and forever grateful for the warm welcome extended to me and for the people who I have come to cherish and will call forever, friends. I especially want to thank the staff of St. John LaLande. We have some of the best teachers and support staff in our diocese and your children have always, and will continue to always be, their first and most important priority.”
 
Please congratulate Ms. Wright on this news and join us in praying for her success.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph welcomes Dr. Karen Kroh as superintendent of Catholic diocesan and parish schools following a national search. Kroh will step into the role as the diocese bids farewell to Dr. Dan Peters, who will retire after 15 years in Catholic education and more than a decade as superintendent of KCSJ Catholic schools. 

"Dr. Kroh immediately stood out to us as an ideal candidate to lead our diocesan and parish schools with her experience, reputation and strong commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic Schools," said Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. "We are eager for Karen to join our team and know that she will have a positive and lasting impact on the students, families, teachers and staff across the diocese."

Kroh brings more than 25 years of experience in all levels of education from early-childhood through college, and a consistent record of achievement in positions of leadership, instruction, curriculum, faith formation, special education and professional development. She has earned a bachelor's degree in family and child development as well as a master's degree in special education, both from Auburn University. Karen has also received an English as a New Language endorsement from Notre Dame and a Doctorate in School Leadership from St. Louis University.

"The selection committee was immediately impressed with Karen's commitment to Catholic education, her strong faith and the great energy she will bring to the role," said Jodi Briggs, principal at St. Michael the Archangel High School, and a member of the selection committee chosen to evaluate the candidates for KCSJ Catholic Schools superintendent. "She has earned great respect from the communities that she has served through her work and leadership and presents herself as a strong servant leader."

Kroh most recently served in the role of associate superintendent for student services in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Office of Catholic Schools, which she has held since 2004. Kroh's experience includes more than a decade as adjunct faculty member at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. She is also published in the Journal of Catholic Education.
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Kroh is honored to be chosen as KCSJ Schools superintendent, saying "Working with Catholic schools and leaders in the Archdiocese of Kansas City and other Catholic school superintendents and leaders across the country has allowed me to develop a holistic vision of the critical role Catholic schools play for our students, families and our Church."

Following extensive review and evaluation of several qualified candidates, Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., and Superintendent Dr. Dan Peters, are pleased to announce that Shelley Henn has accepted the role of principal at Holy Cross School. Ms. Henn has been a teacher at Holy Cross for 29 years and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership. 
 
Ms. Henn is a devoted Catholic educator and community advocate, and describes herself as “passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated … centered on building relationships with the community, empowering teachers by cultivating leadership skills, implementing technology-based instructional programs for effective data-driven decision making, creating a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, and developing new and innovative strategies to meet the goals and vision of the school.”
 
Ms. Henn has had a positive impact on our community outside of the classroom through creating and maintaining partnerships with various organizations including Upper Room, Kansas City Community Gardens, Mattie Rhodes Center, Rockhurst University, and the University of Missouri.
 
Please congratulate Ms. Henn on this exciting news and join us in praying for her success.

St. Joseph, Missouri – The St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership announces that Ann Lachowitzer will be its first president beginning July 1, 2021. Lachowitzer has 25 years of experience in education including more than 10 years in Catholic school leadership, most recently as principal of Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph.

“As a connector and visionary leader, I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the important work of the St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership, including guiding our schools in carrying out the Partnership’s mission of preparing our scholars to be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ,” said Lachowitzer.

The St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership exists to facilitate collaboration among the area’s four Catholic schools and ensure a common experience for all students. The group announced the development of its board of directors in December 2020, with one of its first tasks being the hiring of a full-time president.

Todd Meierhoffer, Partnership Board Chair, said, "We are excited to have Ann as the President of our organization. She meets all the criteria our board was looking for. She has a strong love of our Catholic faith with a passion and commitment to academic excellence. She brings an enormous amount of energy and experience to our organization, with a business-minded approach to managing our schools. The fact that she has become well established in the St. Joseph Catholic community with her role at Bishop LeBlond, allowing her to make an immediate impact as President, was a plus.”

Lachowitzer has held several leadership roles at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph including as Early Childhood Director at St. Therese Early Education Center, Elementary School Principal at Borromeo Academy in addition to her current position as Principal at Bishop LeBlond High School.  She has led initiatives to increase enrollment and reinvigorate school identity.

“It is encouraging to see continued progress toward the vision of the St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership.  I am confident that Ms. Lachowitzer is the right leader for the important work ahead.  She brings experience, leadership and a deep commitment to see Catholic education thrive in the St. Joseph community to this new and important position,” said Bishop James V. Johnston, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Lachowitzer is considered a transformational leader focused on creating change in people and culture that leads to innovation and growth. She is a dedicated professional experienced in organization and analysis to evaluate school effectiveness, marketing, development, and rebranding.

Future plans for the Partnership include continued fundraising, performing a comprehensive facilities assessment, and measuring the four schools’ long-term viability.

“Ann is a strong leader with a proven track record in several of our diocesan Catholic schools,” said Dan Peters, superintendent of diocesan schools. “She is absolutely the right person at the right time to bring the St. Joseph Catholic Schools together to form a brighter future.”

Lachowitzer will step down as principal of Bishop LeBlond High School at the end of June. While she will no longer be in charge of daily operations, she will still be a part of the LeBlond community. She plans to keep an office at LeBlond and work closely with the new principal when he/she is hired. There is not an announcement to make regarding Ann’s replacement at this time.

Learn more, and stay up to date on progress, at stjosephcatholicschools.com or St. Joseph Catholic Schools on Facebook.

St. Joseph, Missouri – St. Joseph Catholic Schools announces the formation of the St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership Board of Directors to oversee its work to facilitate collaboration among the area’s four Catholic schools and ensure a common experience for all students.
 
Following approval by Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., the board held its first meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16, electing officers and ratifying the new organization.
 
"We are excited for our new Catholic school partnership and having all four of our schools collaborating together on a common mission and culture. This collaboration is a game changer for both grade and high school education in St Joseph," said Todd Meierhoffer, Partnership Board Chair.
 
This limited-jurisdiction board is tasked with overseeing the Partnership’s role in strategic planning, marketing and public relations, development and fundraising, financial review and professional development of teachers and principals.
 
“I am grateful for the continued passion and dedication of the St. Joseph community in supporting the vitality and sustainability of its Catholic schools. I look forward to the progress ahead under the guidance of the new board of directors,” said Bishop James V. Johnston, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
 
The Partnership announced several additional updates at its first board meeting, including the establishment of a common mission, “Preparing our scholars to be life-long disciples of Jesus Christ together: Family, Parish, School.” This mission is supported by the three pillars of discipleship, scholarship and stewardship.
 
Future plans for the Partnership include continued fundraising, hiring a full-time president, performing a comprehensive facilities assessment, and measuring the four schools’ long-term viability.
 
“The formation of the St. Joseph Catholic School Partnership is both an exciting and historical tipping point for the St. Joseph Catholic schools.  This is the first time the parishes and schools have developed a plan and structure to work together towards the re-vitalizing of St. Joseph schools. Working together we will form a brighter future for our Catholic schools,” said Dan Peters, superintendent of diocesan schools.
 
St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership announced today its board officers and members: Todd Meierhoffer (Chair), St. Joseph Cathedral; Scott Murphy (Vice Chair), Our Lady of Guadalupe; Brice Libel (Finance Committee Chair), Cathedral of St Joseph Advisory School Board Appointee; Michelle Conard (Secretary), St James; Bridget Matthias, St Francis Xavier; Fr. Christian Malewski, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Priest Appointed by Bishop; Dan Peters, Superintendent of Diocesan Schools; Dan Pfister, Cathedral of St Joseph; Darin Pollard, Principal Representative appointed by Superintendent, St Francis; Emilie Lueckenhoff, St Francis Xavier; JL Robertson, St James; Fr. Joe Miller, Pastor, St Francis Xavier; Fr. Joseph Totton, Pastor, St James; Mallary Hann, St James Advisory School Board Appointee; Sally Sanders, Bishop LeBlond Advisory School Board Appointee; Shelly Culver, St Francis Xavier Advisory School Board Appointee; Fr. Stephen Hansen, Pastor, Cathedral of St Joseph.
 
Learn more, and stay up to date on progress, at stjosephcatholicschools.com or St. Joseph Catholic Schools on Facebook.

Following extensive review and evaluation of several qualified candidates, Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., and Fr. Don Farnan, are pleased to announce that Karen Hopson, Ed.D., has accepted the role of principal at St. Charles Borromeo Academy. Ms. Hopson has worked in Catholic education for 20 years and has served as Interim Principal at St. Charles Borromeo Academy since last May.
 
Ms. Hopson is an experienced Catholic educator and says she is “dedicated to instilling the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith while guiding students to academic excellence.” She has worked with grades Kindergarten through 12th in three different regions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas prior to coming to St. Charles Borromeo Academy, most recently as principal of Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas and prior to that, principal of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Ms. Hopson feels she has bonded with the community of St. Charles since arriving last Spring and is eager to continue to instill the strong sense of cooperation and family that exists among the educators and scholars.

Please congratulate Ms. Hopson on this exciting news and join us in praying for her success.

The development of the multi-purpose community center immediately adjacent to Holy Cross Grade School in northeast Kansas City has remained a prayerful vision of Bright Futures for more than a year.

“The Holy Spirit has inspired the hearts and minds of so many of us for this exciting project,” said Jeremy Lillig, Bright Futures Executive Director. “When we began, we had no idea that the Spirit was leading us to this wonderful day.”

In one of the largest single foundation gifts to Bright Futures in its 31-year history, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Midland, Texas has issued a $650,000 challenge grant for the construction of the Shine Brightly Neighborhood Center. Bright Futures will have one year to meet our challenge to complete funding for the Shine Brightly Neighborhood Center off the corner of St. John Avenue and Quincy.

To date the Shine Brightly Campaign has raised more than $1.9 million toward a $3.2 million goal to build these new facilities that will include an expanded Early Childhood Development Center, community meeting and social services space, multi-purpose athletic facility and exterior playground. Connected to Holy Cross Grade School, this 13,000 square foot extension is meant to be used by the entire community during after school and weekends year around.

“This center will not only allow Holy Cross needed facilities during school hours, but will be a great boost to other neighborhood social services with whom we currently partner like Mattie Rhodes,” comments Lamar Hunt, Jr., board member and campaign leader. “We are so thrilled by Mabee’s decision as these new spaces will allow us and our partners to offer numerous programs, not only to our 400 Bright Futures students, but hundreds of other at-risk youth and their families throughout the northeast urban core.”

Officially begun less than a year ago, the Shine Brightly Campaign has already provided benefits in upgrades to its two flagship PreK-8 inner city schools: Holy Cross and Our Lady of Hope. Beyond capital construction the campaign is working to grow the program’s endowment called the Matthew McCullough Endowment Fund, which as of this writing has raised $470,000.

Bright Futures Fund thanks Bishop Johnston for his leadership, its board of directors for their vision, the Campaign Cabinet for their commitment and to all the early donors who have shown their faith and been moved as we all have by the Holy Spirit.

For more information on Bright Futures and the Shine Bright Campaign, including how you can help us raise the funds for the Center to complete Mabee's challenge, visit the links below:

• Donate directly to the Bright Futures Shine Brightly Capital Campaign Here
• Watch Videos on the Shine Brightly Campaign Here
• ​See a birds-eye view map of where everything will be here!

You don't need superpowers to be a superhero: apply to be a substitute teacher at KCSJ Catholic Schools and you could save the day for a teacher in need of temporary support.

​KCSJ Catholic Schools is now hiring substitute teachers for all grade levels. Requirements include a high school diploma and completion of a 20-hour training module, in addition to satisfactory background check, signed Ethics and Integrity in Ministry form, and Protecting God’s Children training.
 
If you are not yet certified as a substitute teacher, the full requirements and training module can be found on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website here.

A list of our Catholic schools, high schools and early education centers in need of substitutes can be found below; please contact the school directly to inquire about current openings and be added to a school’s substitute teacher list.​​