Meet the seven new school leaders who plan to focus on faith, family values, along with strong academics
Seven new educators will assume roles as principals and presidents across the Archdiocese of Newark for the 2024-25 school year. Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, welcomed the new administrators at the Leaders Administrative Conference held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center in Kearny.
The new leaders told Jersey Catholic that they are committed to enhancing Catholic education by implementing initiatives centered on family values, cultural enrichment, faith-based learning, and addressing students’ diverse needs.
Tyburczy will put family values first at Saint Vincent Academy in Newark
Joan Tyburczy is the newly appointed president at Saint Vincent Academy in Newark. She has a deep connection to the school’s mission. Since August 2019, she has served as the high school principal after dedicating 17 years as a teacher at the same institution.
“Our students and families, and our mission, have always been and will continue to be the core of every decision I make,” Tyburczy said.
She is particularly excited about expanding the school’s arts and STEM programs, including a new partnership with NJPAC and adding an Engineering Program.
Tyburczy’s leadership will continue to emphasize service and Vincentian values of recognizing and caring for the unique personhood and sacred dignity of the other, which has been a hallmark of the school for decades.
D’Avino will listen to student needs at Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell
Dr. Karen D’Avino, the new principal of Mount St. Dominic Academy, has a strong background in innovative education. Her previous work reflects a commitment to addressing the specific needs of each school community. She believes that understanding the needs of the students and staff at Mount St. Dominic Academy will be crucial to her success.
“The most important thing is to fully understand what the needs are before creating an action plan,” D’Avino said. She is eager to build upon existing programs, particularly in social justice, STEM, and service to the community.
D’Avino brings over 30 years of educational leadership to the Mount. She is focused on inquiry-based learning and innovative practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She served as superintendent of schools for Vernon from 2018 to 2022 and Barnegat from 2011 to 2018, with earlier roles as principal, vice principal, and superintendent in schools across New Jersey. After retiring from public education, she became an educational consultant, most recently serving as interim school administrator in Mahwah.
Dr. D’Avino holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in educational administration from New Jersey City University, and a bachelor’s in Music Education from Montclair State University.
Farrell will focus on empowering student leaders at Paramus Catholic High School
Christopher Farrell assumes the position of president at Paramus Catholic High School, bringing expertise in educational advancement, alumni programs, and healthcare philanthropy.
Throughout his career, Farrell has held leadership positions across secondary and higher education institutions, including Essex Catholic High School, Bergen Catholic High School, Iona Preparatory School, and Seton Hall University. His lifelong focus on building relationships within these diverse environments has been instrumental in his professional success.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Fordham University.
Farrell said he recognizes the importance of building solid relationships with families and staff. “Building great ones takes time. I place a high value on trust, transparency, open communication, and accountability,” he said.
Farrell said he plans to focus on enhancing alumni relations and strategic investments, identifying new growth opportunities for the school.
“The role of a leader is to build the next generation of leaders,” he said, highlighting his commitment to fostering student leadership.
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DeMaio will emphasize vocations education at Saint John the Apostle School
Keara DeMaio, already a leader at Saint John the Apostle School, has been appointed principal. She previously served as assistant principal at the same school from September 2023 to July 2024.
DeMaio’s career spans over two decades in math/technology/STEM education. She began as a middle and high school math teacher in South Amboy Public Schools in 1998, teaching pre-algebra and algebra. She also held leadership roles, such as the chairperson of SAEA Contract Negotiations.
She has launched STEM events and created a maker space and math lab. DeMaio holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Liberty University and a degree in Math Education from Rutgers University. She is also ISTE Certified and NJ Math Certified K-12.
For the 2024-2025 school year, DeMaio plans to introduce grade-level reflection days and a Vocation Awareness Day. She aims to help students “explore their purpose and calling within a faith-based context.” She is also focused on restructuring the science and lab curriculum for grades 3-5.
DeMaio emphasizes the importance of a supportive and dynamic learning environment. “Collaboration is key to instilling growth mindset principles with our Catholic teachings,” she said.
Her immediate priorities include raising enrollment, optimizing technology resources, and fostering a positive, collaborative culture.
Flanagan will focus on faith development at Saint Peter Academy
Dr. Kevin Flanagan is the newly appointed principal of Saint Peter Academy in River Edge.
Dr. Flanagan has served as an administrator and principal in Charter and Catholic schools, with over 12 years of experience in education. He also has a proven record of launching STEM labs in three elementary schools and successful social-emotional learning initiatives.
Notable achievements include leading a district-wide initiative to introduce Next Generation Science Standards to younger grades and managing a school merger during the pandemic to establish a STEM and Arts-focused Catholic Academy.
Dr. Flanagan was also a Director of Education at a Nursing School in New York and has certifications as an educational administrator in both New York and New Jersey.
He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University and completed his doctoral studies in Curriculum and Instruction at the American College of Education.
In his new role as school principal, Dr. Flanagan’s immediate priority is to “gain an understanding of the school, staff, students, families, and community” to address their needs effectively. He emphasizes, “I do not believe in change for the sake of change, so I will first seek to understand.”
Dr. Flanagan plans to “provide opportunities for faith development,” including community service projects and worship experiences to support faculty and students in living out their faith. He is committed to keeping his faith at the forefront of his decision-making process, leading “in a way consistent with my faith and values.”
Giordano will focus on culture and global diversity at Saint Catherine of Siena School
Sandra Giordano, the new principal at St. Catherine of Siena School in Cedar Grove, brings over 20 years of educational experience and multiple degrees, including a Master’s in English and creative writing and post-bachelor’s in education and speech/theatre. She is certified in elementary education, ELA, speech/theatre, and supervision.
Giordano is recognized for successfully implementing the STREAM ( Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) and ARIS (Academic Readiness Intervention System) programs, noting, “These initiatives reinforced the importance of creating an innovative and inclusive learning environment.”
At St. Catherine’s, she aims to build strong relationships within the school community and focus on obtaining state certification to enhance the curriculum and promote a positive school culture.
“By involving parents, local organizations, parishes, and other schools, we can create a supportive network that enriches our students’ education and strengthens our community,” she said.
She plans to introduce a children’s choir and a cultural appreciation program. “These will help students develop musical talents and foster a deeper appreciation for global diversity,” she said.
Giordano also aims to integrate Catholic teachings into daily school life, introducing practices like “Pause and Pray” moments and faith-based projects.
Academy of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence
James Gargiulo is set to become the principal at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence.
Gargiulo has been a physical education teacher in North Jersey for over two decades, spanning 24 years at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace and St. Patrick School. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Gargiulo is also a former ball hockey player and an avid fisherman. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
For more information about the Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools, click here.
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