Schools
Vorbach Named New Bishop O'Connell Head of School
Vorbach will assume the new leadership position when President Katy Prebble resigns at the end of the current school year.
Joseph E. Vorbach, Ph.D., will become the new head of Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde announced Tuesday.
Vorbach will fill the newly created position of head of school when O'Connell President Katy Prebble departs at the end of the current school year. Vorbach has served as principal alongside the school's last two principals.
The new leadership model combines the positions of principal and president, Arlington Diocese spokesman Michael Donohue told Patch.
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"For 55 years, Bishop O’Connell High School has been a faith-filled community of learning, rooted in the Church and a determined tradition of service and excellence,” Loverde said in a statement. Loverde is the spiritual leader of the Diocese of Arlington’s 450,000 Catholics.
“In this new position of leadership, I know Joe will continue O’Connell’s record of excellence, building on the good work begun by Katy Prebble,” Loverde stated.
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The Arlington Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools began an expansive discussion about the future of the school in February after Prebble announced her resignation, according to a news release.
“Today’s announcement represents a strong vote of confidence in Joe Vorbach’s service to the school in successive administrations and his leadership in ensuring a first-rate Catholic education for the young men and women of Bishop O’Connell,” Sister Bernadette McManigal said in a statement.
Vorbach has years of experience as an educator and administrator, according to a news release. He has served as a professor and department chair at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and O’Connell’s principal for the past five years. Vorbach said in a statement he has been connected to the O'Connell community since 1979 as a student, parent and administrator.
“Bishop O’Connell High School is a Christ-centered community blessed with exceptionally dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff, and I am excited to lead this outstanding institution into the future,” he said.
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