With Vasquez’s hire, the President-Principal model, which is used at both Aquinas and Notre Dame high schools, is being tried for the first time at grade schools in the Diocese. Under the model, the principal focuses on the day-to-day operations and academic direction of the school while the president reaches out to local families to boost enrollment and forges connections with the larger community to raise the profile of the school.
Vasquez, who is currently the first grade teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Montclair, has worked in education for 30 years, teaching early elementary school, middle school and high school while also working as a director and instructor of the federal Head Start Program. She says she is excited to step into a role in which she can promote the value of Catholic education, in which she is a strong believer.
“In Catholic schools we can also teach values,” said Vasquez, who has also taught in the public school system. “We can shape the character of the students.”
A native of Ecuador she is fluent in Spanish and plans to reach out to families in San Bernardino and the surrounding area who speak Spanish as their primary language. She, herself, did not begin to learn English until she came to the United States in the 11th grade. A key will be connecting the Catholic heritage of most Hispanics and their strong value of family to the idea of Catholic schools.
“That’s where our culture is rooted,” Vasquez said.
Vesely said the idea to expand the President-Principal model to elementary schools came from Bishop Gerald Barnes, who has been concerned about the future of Catholic schools in the city of San Bernardino. Three Catholic elementary schools and a preschool in the city have been closed over the past 25 years.
“Building enrollment is the focus,” said Vesely. “[The President-Principal model] has really shored up the financial foundation and viability of the two high schools.”
Aquinas was beset with financial problems and dwindling enrollment when Dr. Jim Brennan came to the school to serve as president in 2010. Working creatively to promote the school in the region, Brennan has helped to raise enrollment, and money.
The principals of Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Assumption are hoping for similar results.
“I like the idea that there’s someone there to promote our schools, to market our schools,” said Assumption Principal Sue Long, who said she hopes Vasquez will encourage the families of children who are enrolled in the parish’s religious education programs to consider Catholic education.
Holy Rosary Principal Cheryll Austin said it has been difficult to find time for the promotional aspect of leading Holy Rosary Academy and she is excited to work with Vasquez in her new position.
“It will free us up so that we can be principals,” Austin said of herself and Long, “and concentrate on the teachers and the students and the curriculum.”
Vasquez’s position is being funded through donations provided by other Catholic schools and benefactors for three years. After that period, the two schools will be responsible for paying her salary.