Here is the introduction provided by Pastor John Ardis:
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| St. Paul's New Principal Mr. Rick Billups |
Dear St. Paul`s Community:
Following a thoughtful and deliberate 18-month search, the Principal Search Committee (PSC) has made a unanimous recommendation and I have selected the new principal for St. Paul the Apostle School. I am pleased to announce that Mr. Richard Billups, Associate Principal and Dean of Faculty at St. Monica Catholic High School, Santa Monica, has accepted the offer and will assume the role of principal on July 1, 2014.
A life-long educator, Mr. Billups has more than 16 years of experience in Los Angeles Archdiocesan Catholic Education, including seven years of elementary school and five years of high school administrative experience. He has taught throughout his administrative career and been a CYO-certified coach for 18 years. He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, with Masters’ degrees in both Education and Catholic School Administration.
When the PSC launched its national search for a new principal it faced a daunting challenge. Sister Stella has been at St. Paul the Apostle School for 47 years. It would be impossible to estimate the number of lives she has inspired or number of students she has mentored in her role as principal. It is thanks to her that the PSC could set the bar so high.
Mr. Billups was selected after an extensive nationwide search. The PSC, comprised of school and parish leaders, examined a pool of qualified individuals from all over the country. After a thorough review, it began selective interviews of the most promising candidates. It invited three finalists to meet individually with Sister Stella and me, as well as key constituency groups on campus, including representative of the faculty and staff, School Board and school parents at large.
After incorporating the feedback from these groups and consulting with the Archdiocese, as well as much prayerful consideration, it was clear that Mr. Billups was the ideal candidate to lead St. Paul the Apostle School as its new principal.
Mr. Billups looks forward to working closely with Sister Stella over the coming months so that together they may ensure a smooth transition.
In the months ahead, as we prepare for the transition, we also will be preparing to celebrate Sister Stella and her nearly five decades of service to the school. You will be hearing more about a number of events that are being planned to help the community show our appreciation for her.
Thank you all for your support and prayers during this principal search. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the PSC for their hard work, dedication and integrity. I am excited to embrace a future of continued growth and innovation at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Community.
Yours in faith,
Rev John Ardis CSP
Pastor
