The Diocese of Owensboro is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerald E. Schoen as Director of Owensboro Catholic Schools (OCS), effective July 1, 2016. Ken Rasp, current director, has accepted a position as President of Muskegon Catholic Central in Michigan.
An interview committee was formed and a national search was conducted over several months to fill the position. After interviewing multiple candidates, the committee selected Mr. Schoen, who brings thirteen years of leadership in an educational setting both in the United States and internationally.
“I am happy to welcome Gerald Schoen as the new Director of the OCS school family,” said Fr. Pat Reynolds, Episcopal Vicar for OCS. “In my time with Mr. Schoen, I am impressed with his desire to be a ‘visionary’ in looking at the growth and health of our Catholic School system in Owensboro. I found him to be a very good listener and very articulate as a communicator. He sees all parents, teachers, staff, principals, pastors and parishioners as ‘stakeholders’ in this gift of Catholic schools – preparing our next generation to be spiritual, intellectual and committed Catholic stewards and citizens.”
Mr. Schoen holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Bowling Green State University, Ohio; a Master of Science in Education from the University of New England, Maine; and two post graduate certificates, one in Educational Leadership and Supervision and the other in International Education.
Mr. Schoen comes to Owensboro Catholic Schools from his most recent position in Bangkok, Thailand as the middle school principal at Thai-Chinese International School. Prior to his Thailand post, he served as principal at Kateri Catholic Schools in Ohio; principal at Kwangju Foreign School, in South Korea; and Superintendent of Schools at Calvert Catholic Schools, in Ohio.
“I firmly believe educators and schools not only have the power, but the responsibility, to inspire young individuals to strive for excellence both academically and spiritually through the character traits of respect, diligence, determination, dedication, and discipleship,” said Mr. Schoen. “I am committed to making a difference in the world through education.”
Jim Mattingly, Superintendent for the Diocese of Owensboro Catholic Schools, believes Mr. Schoen will be a great asset to the community. “Gerald Schoen brings a number of important qualities to the table, including experience and success with faith formation, academic excellence, and service leadership. We welcome Gerald and his family to the Owensboro Catholic Schools.”
Mr. Schoen’s involvement in curricular and extracurricular programs, coaching experience, assistance in accreditation, and attendance at national and international conferences coupled with his philosophy of school leadership made him an excellent choice as a leader for Owensboro Catholic Schools.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Schoen and his family to the Diocese of Owensboro,” said Bishop William F. Medley. “He brings with him a desire to see our students grow both academically and spiritually. We look forward to his integration into the Catholic school culture here in Western Kentucky.”
Mr. Schoen, his wife, and three children will be making Owensboro their home this summer.
