Longtime administrators to say farewell to schools By LISA MAXSON Catholic Voice
Administrators at two all-girls Catholic high schools in Omaha have announced their retirement after each spending more than 20 years in leadership roles at the schools.
Sister Johanna Burnell, RSM, president of Mercy High School, and Elizabeth Kish, head of school at Marian High School, will step down to make way for new and "younger" leadership, they said.
"Now that I've reached the marvelous age of 70, I think that it's obvious that I can't keep up the pace that I once did," Sister Burnell said. "I would like to see a younger, more vital person with a vision for women's education come into this role now while I'm still able to be of some assistance in the transition."
Sister Burnell announced her resignation Dec. 2 and a search committee has been formed to find her replacement.
Kish, who said last year that she planned to resign at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, is being replaced by Susan Russell Toohey, a Marian alumna.
"Young energy is good," the 62-year-old Kish said. "Experienced energy is also good, but every once in a while I think institutions should have a good shot in the arm of youthful energy."
Kish began her career at Marian in 1977 as a religion teacher. By 1989, after serving as the dean of students and assistant principal, she became Marian's first lay head of school.
During her 18-year tenure, Marian has seen enrollment increase from 475 to 640 students, the school has become a leader in technology, and it has received national recognition as a Blue Ribbon Award winner twice. Marian also went from a comprehensive school to a college preparatory school under Kish's leadership.
"I'm most proud of the fact that the girls have taken ownership of the school ... to the point that I have to remind them that they're not running it totally," Kish said with a chuckle. "They love that feeling and I like it, too."
Sister Burnell came to Mercy in 1988 as part of the dual leadership team with Carolyn Jaworski, principal at Mercy. As president, she is in charge of the business aspect of the school, which includes deciding on the financial investments, setting up work study, organizing fund raising efforts and working with families of potential students.
During her time at Mercy, enrollment increased and numerous renovations and additions were made both to the interior and exterior of the building.
"One of the most satisfying changes I've seen is a development of a deeper spirituality in the young women who come here and a deeper sense of appreciation for their education," Sister Burnell said.
She's also proud of Mercy's negotiated tuition program, which allows young women of all levels, regardless of their financial status, educational background, abilities or handicaps, to attend the school.
"Our school is all about access and our belief that Catholic education should not be exclusive and should not be unreachable for the average Catholic family," she said.
Both women expressed their gratitude to the religious orders that started the schools - Servants of Mary and the Sisters of Mercy - as well as the school alumnae for their constant support.
They also said the decision to leave the schools is not easy, but they know it's time for a change, both personally and professionally.
Sister Burnell said she would like to stay at Mercy and help with advancement for a couple years, but then would like to do some other kinds of ministry in Omaha.
Kish, whose last day is June 30, will spend the month of June helping with the transition. In retirement, though, she plans to spend more time with her father, who resides in upstate New York, and said she is ready for anything else that comes her way.
"This has been a dream job for anyone. It's just fantastic," Kish said. "It's got its issues, but generally both parents and students are just fantastic ... and our staff, too. It's just so much fun."
About her successor, Kish said Toohey is the kind of person she hoped would take her place.
"Somebody with a lot of energy and a lot of love for Marian and has blue and white blood and is just so committed to the school and so anxious to be here," said Kish, who taught Toohey during her first years at Marian and was mentored by the woman's mother, Anne Russell.
"I couldn't be happier and couldn't be more excited for the kids, the parents and the teachers at Marian that they will have such a leader. She is a terrific person."
