Two newly merged Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh elementary schools now have principals.
The South Regional Catholic Elementary School Board made the announcement Friday.
Robert Munz will serve as principal of the merged school consiting of St. Philip in Crafton and St. Margaret of Scotland in Green Tree.
Munz wrote to school families and parishioners stating "I have a tremendous love and passion for Catholic education. I believe that in our Catholic schools we will have the opportunity to educate the total child; academically, socially, and most important, spiritually. Having the opportunity to work in a Catholic school is not a job to me, but it is my vocation. My goal is to make our new Catholic school truly a special place."
In a release, Director of Catholic Schools Michelle Peduto said Munz "has a long history with the diocese and in education. He will bring healing, love, faith and compassion to the families of this new merger."
According to the diocese, Munz has 21 years of experience in education - 11 in the classroom and 10 as an administrator for the Diocese, most recently at St. Margaret of Scotland School.
The St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Pleasant Hills and St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin in Whitehall merger will see Donald Militzer step into the position. Peduto said "Don is also a longtime principal in the diocese and has a heart for Catholic education. I believe he possesses the qualities needed to bring these two communities together."
Milzer wrote to families, "This newly merged school will be a FAMILY. We will love together, laugh together, cry together, work together, grow together, succeed together, and maybe even sometimes fail together. If the challenges we have all faced from March 2020 to now have taught us anything, it is that together we can conquer anything! That is what we will do, join together and create the most amazing school and school community anyone can ask for." Militzer said.
He has been with the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 15 years, the last four of which he was principal of Saint Gabriel School.
It was announced in February that the schools would be merged together. At the time, Bishop David Zubik said "Each day, I thank God for all who faithfully support our Catholic schools. They serve our students, our diocese, and Jesus Himself.
"Catholic schools are vital to the future of both our Church and our world. They educate minds, hearts, and spirits, teaching the value of service as they prepare young people to become productive citizens and future leaders."
After the mergers were announced, an appeal was filed to prevent the merger of the St. Philip and St. Margaret of Scotland schools. The decision to merge the schools was ultimately upheld.
